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Tail Trouble #308704
06/07/07 08:52 PM
06/07/07 08:52 PM

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I was just sitting here giving the fur-kids some belly rubs when I noticed one of the boys has a rough, red scaly patch on the underside of his tail...and the area, about the size of my pinkie nail, is kinda stiff. I've heard horror stories of tails needing amputation, could this be the beginning of one? need_hug

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #308707
06/07/07 09:00 PM
06/07/07 09:00 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,725
Upstate NY
glidergrl1513 Offline
Serious Glideritis
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I don't know if it needs to be amputated, but it does need to be seen by a vet. Try to get an appointment tomorrow if you can. If he's leaving it alone, it's probably not an emergency that you need to take him to an emergency vet tonight, but do keep an eye on it. Watch him closely, and be prepared to take him in right away if he messes with it

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: glidergrl1513] #308717
06/07/07 09:21 PM
06/07/07 09:21 PM
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Kansas
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LSardou Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
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Yes, please keep a close eye on it...if it looks like it is a fresh sore it's possible that he could continue to go after it. If you can't get him into see a vet until tomorrow I would keep an ecolar on hand just in case he does try and do something. Sending you hugs and prayers.... hug2

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: LSardou] #308738
06/07/07 09:55 PM
06/07/07 09:55 PM

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No, it doesn't look fresh. It's dry & rough. Could this be SM? upset

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #308940
06/08/07 05:50 AM
06/08/07 05:50 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
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It could be overgrooming that went to the extreme, or an infection that will lead to SM. It needs treated ASAP. vet will want to give min. 2 weeks (twice daily) on a broad spectrum antibiotic like Baytril and having an oral pain med on hand like torb just in case would be a very good idea-also the ecollar-both to prevent, or stop, him from going after it. Once the skin is hard or broken, antibiotics are a MUST. Chewing is what they do when it hurts (or feels funny, like with nerve damage, or numbness), because they think they are under attack by an enemy they can't see (which is sort of true, if you think about it)...but don't realize they are compounding the problem doing that-and make it worse, so chew more, etc-that is the cycle of SM.

Please get into the vet, and ask for the above meds (I wouldn't leave without them, if he were one of mine)-and make sure and keep us updated. If a collar is needed, my numbers are in my siggy if you need help, or Dancing can help you also, as she has cared for SM gliders also.

NOTE on tails: You will need to wrap the tail either in vetwrap (the gauze-looking bandage that sticks to itself) or a taped on straw (Mc Donald's work well...cut the straw up the side to get the tail in it) in order to keep the glider from just curling the tail into the collar to chew on it, or lick excessively-which alone can take skin off if done enough), and the collar will keep him from chewing the bandage off.

The 'hard area', unfortunately, likely is dying tissue that isn't black (dead, necrotic)-dead tissue HAS to be removed or it will spread- yet. The faster you get him in and on meds, the better the chance of avoiding a partial amputation. If you can, MAKE them take him as soon as you can get him there, and don't take no for an answer on meds-his tail depends on it. The other danger if not treated, is if the infection goes systemic...that will kill the glider from a system wide shock, in effect.

Please keep us updated.

Last edited by Xfilefan; 06/08/07 05:51 AM. Reason: grammar

Jen/Colin :bb: Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed :wfb: Sinbad, :wfb: Gabby, :grey: Baby, and :grey: Alley
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Xfilefan] #309006
06/08/07 09:04 AM
06/08/07 09:04 AM

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Thank you all for your counsel. The appointment with the vet will be made this morning as soon as the office opens. I am very concerned about this. I've never had a medical issue with my babies and I'm feeling like bad parent. I will keep you updated. thanks worried

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #309026
06/08/07 09:42 AM
06/08/07 09:42 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,212
Garland, TX
Mel2mdl Offline
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Garland, TX
You are not a bad parent! You saw this and took care of it immediately. Animals do get sick. A bad parent wouldn't notice or wouldn't care! Please keep us updated and to how he is doing.


Molly, son & husband:

Chairman Meow
Oscar & Thomas
Sam, Diego, Delilah, Delia :wfb:
Nevada, Noel
Marcel, Dakota, Latte
Dexter, Didi, Almond, Joy and Fitz
:grey:
Karl,Lenny,Jynxie,Chamille, Kee & Mr. Beans in my heart forever.
Teaching teenagers-part joy, part guerilla warfare! :rbridge:
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Mel2mdl] #309038
06/08/07 09:56 AM
06/08/07 09:56 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
Serious Glideritis
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This can happen-it could have started with something as small as a pinhole or scratch-you wouldn't have been able to see it. A few bacteria get in...and it goes from there. Catching it, and preventing further damage, is what counts. hug2

I almost forgot to say also, on the outside chance, have the vet check to be sure there is no break, as well.

Will wait for after-vet update. hug2

Last edited by Xfilefan; 06/08/07 09:57 AM.

Jen/Colin :bb: Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed :wfb: Sinbad, :wfb: Gabby, :grey: Baby, and :grey: Alley
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Xfilefan] #309042
06/08/07 10:06 AM
06/08/07 10:06 AM

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You're right! OMG! I did notice what looked like a scratch about a week ago but it looked like nothing to worry about really...just a scratch...and I wasn't sure if it was even a scratch and not just pigmentation. In the future, if I notice any scratches or somesuch on them, should I take any action to prevent infection? cry

We are going to the vet on Tuesday. What do I do until then!? upset Thanks, you guys are the best!

I'm scared!!! need_hug

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Mel2mdl] #309044
06/08/07 10:10 AM
06/08/07 10:10 AM

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I don't understand how I let this go so far! upset I check their little bodies EVERY DAY!!! Either visually, if they hold still long enough, or by touch. I look at eyes, teeth, ears, skin, fur, cloacas. feet, nails...I am obsessed with their health. How did this happen? I'm sorry...I'll stop now. worried

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #309092
06/08/07 11:14 AM
06/08/07 11:14 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
Serious Glideritis
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Jacksonville, FL
Don't beat yourself up hug2 Tails are easy to infect because there isn't a lot of circulation in them-they are the most 'extreme' of extremeties...farthest from the heart. If anywhere with a small wound is likely to get infected, it's the tail. I would not wait until Tuesday...if you can find a vet to give meds NOW I'd highly recommend it-it only takes a day for tissue to die that won't come back-and then he will lose it. Once it's black, it has to come off. Hard tissue's next step is dying-if you can get your vet (or ANY vet) to get him in NOW-tell him you've got pre necrotic tissue-do so. Waiting is not a good idea. Blood poisoning once tissue dies can take only hours. This really is not something that can wait.

Oh, if you ever do notice or suspect a wound, a little neosporin (just make sure it's not the pain relief kind), until it's healed, will help keep infection out. That's on a minor wound. If it's deep-see the vet.

Last edited by Xfilefan; 06/08/07 11:23 AM.

Jen/Colin :bb: Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed :wfb: Sinbad, :wfb: Gabby, :grey: Baby, and :grey: Alley
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #309093
06/08/07 11:16 AM
06/08/07 11:16 AM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,060
Kansas
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LSardou Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
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hug2 hug2 Please don't be to hard on yourself! You ARE a wonderful glider mommy, just realize that we all can overlook things, I know I've done it too and it sounds like your like I am, constantly looking, worrying, and still something comes up...It sure is hard on our nerves. Your babies know that you love them, and will do anything to keep them happy and healthy. Just try and not get stressed out, they will sense this and become stressed too.
Prayers are with you , and hopes that you will have this behind you soon.

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: LSardou] #309110
06/08/07 11:40 AM
06/08/07 11:40 AM

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If the tissue is reddish and hardened, but not black, could it be that I caught it on time to save the tail? Maybe just have the necrotic tissue removed and the area medicated? I am emailing the vet right now. I have access to Baytril in pill and injectable form from my son who is a Naturalist and wildlife keeper, but, neither he nor I know how much is needed to medicate a glider. We were thinking of concocting a topical in the meantime with liquid Baytril and Sodium Chloride, then do as Xfilefan suggested and cover the area with a straw & vetwrap to prevent SM'g.

What do you guys think? thanks thanks

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #309123
06/08/07 11:51 AM
06/08/07 11:51 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
Serious Glideritis
Xfilefan  Offline
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Jacksonville, FL
You are at the stage where it is Pre-necrotic. It needs treatment now, and it's got to be oral meds-into the bloodstream to get inside the deeper tissue. The hard is what it does when it's trying to die, because circulation is stopping as the bacteria kills the tissue-think of the red as sort of an odd bruise, and possibly the beginning of blood poisoning, that will work its way toward the heart. I don't want to panic you, and I've been trying to soften the edges of this, but the last 5 gliders that started like yours (that I worked with) and didn't get in right away-lost the tail. One lost his life. I can't guarantee he won't lose it now, and if they have to take any tissue, it's possible, because of the thinness and structure of the tail, it won't work, and they'll have to remove the rest, risking greater infection in the process. Topical won't work now because the infection is on the inside and spreading. It's possible they can save it yet-an injection followed by oral meds MIGHT stop it, and allow a slow recovery as the dying tissue is replaced with new, as long as there isn't too much and it goes no further. From experience, if you wait, there is a 90% or greater chance he will lose it, and possibly be very, very ill in the process if it doesn't kill him. Gliders have a high heartrate and metabolism, and this can get them a lot faster than people or larger animals. Ultimately it is your decision-I can only tell you what I've experienced through those I've worked with. A vet will need to determine dosage based on weight of the glider.


Jen/Colin :bb: Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed :wfb: Sinbad, :wfb: Gabby, :grey: Baby, and :grey: Alley
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Xfilefan] #309133
06/08/07 12:10 PM
06/08/07 12:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
Xglider Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
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Tampa, FL
i have to say … don’t wait … just go to the vet now! This should not wait till Tuesday.


* ~ * John * ~ * Sorry store is closed at this time.. <br>
Link -> [b]~~ XtremeGlider ~~ Home of the original Re~set Toys! ~~[/b] <br>
Oct 2012 update.. miss my gliders and my
glider family and think of my friends often!!!
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Xglider] #309134
06/08/07 12:13 PM
06/08/07 12:13 PM

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thanks cry

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #309137
06/08/07 12:14 PM
06/08/07 12:14 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
Serious Glideritis
Xfilefan  Offline
Serious Glideritis

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Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
hug2


Jen/Colin :bb: Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed :wfb: Sinbad, :wfb: Gabby, :grey: Baby, and :grey: Alley
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Xfilefan] #309336
06/08/07 04:13 PM
06/08/07 04:13 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing Offline
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80 acres of paradise in KS
You might want to try Collasate spray on it. It is a spray that you can put on twice a day that will help deter them from licking it. This stuff tastes NASTY. It can be used even post surgery on open wounds and has some healing agents in it as well. With this, you may not need an ecollar or need to wrap the tail. PLEASE do not hesitate to put on the ecollar though IF you think they are chewing on the tail. (Or any other wound).


620-704-9109
Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.

I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance


The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Dancing] #309546
06/08/07 08:45 PM
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thanks

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #312377
06/12/07 11:39 AM
06/12/07 11:39 AM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,234
Tarpon Springs, FL
mattysmom Offline
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Tarpon Springs, FL
Hey Reenie, please don't worry - you're a wonderful glider mom. You found a little thing and made sure it didn't become a big thing. That's all we can do. Let us know how your sweet boy is doing?


Moira & Matty & my zoo
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: mattysmom] #312449
06/12/07 01:13 PM
06/12/07 01:13 PM

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We're going to the vet today. I'll keep ya'll posted and I am truly grateful for everyone's advice and concern.

Please keep my Tiki in your thoughts & pray that we can overcome this. hug2 thanks

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #312821
06/12/07 06:51 PM
06/12/07 06:51 PM

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To everyone who expressed concern and offered prayers, encouragement and sage advice while Tiki and I waited to go to the vet, my sincerest appreciation. mlove

Turns out that my big boy was going at his tail because it is BROKEN!!! confused How in the world did that happen? In any case, I guess it's better that we're dealing with something physical and not something behavioral. Dr. G. prescribed Metacam once daily and gave me enough for a month. He feels that the tail will heal nicely although it may retain a slight bump.

I would love to hear any stories or advice from those of you who have dealt with tail fractures in the past, just to get an idea of what I might expect. thanks



Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #312850
06/12/07 07:26 PM
06/12/07 07:26 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing Offline
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80 acres of paradise in KS

[size:20pt]DO NOT USE METACAM for more than THREE days! It will cause liver failure in gliders![/color]



The only tail breaks I've heard about have resulted in the amputation of the tail. Please watch him very closely as if it doesn't heal properly, it could "tingle" or "itch" or not feel right to him and could lead to self mutilation.


620-704-9109
Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.

I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance


The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Dancing] #312860
06/12/07 07:40 PM
06/12/07 07:40 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,212
Garland, TX
Mel2mdl Offline
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Wow - broken? What type of wheel does he have? I've heard of gliders hurting their tails that way. dunno

Listen to Dancing - She has a ton of experience with sick gliders. frown


Molly, son & husband:

Chairman Meow
Oscar & Thomas
Sam, Diego, Delilah, Delia :wfb:
Nevada, Noel
Marcel, Dakota, Latte
Dexter, Didi, Almond, Joy and Fitz
:grey:
Karl,Lenny,Jynxie,Chamille, Kee & Mr. Beans in my heart forever.
Teaching teenagers-part joy, part guerilla warfare! :rbridge:
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: Mel2mdl] #312906
06/12/07 08:38 PM
06/12/07 08:38 PM

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Wow...Tiki, it sounds like your vet has the best intentions, but is he or she glider experienced? You may want to do a vet consult with a vet with more glider experience maybe on how to deal with broken tails and appropriate meds?

Please keep us posted :/ You are in our thoughts!

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #313205
06/13/07 09:12 AM
06/13/07 09:12 AM

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Dr. G. is an exotics vet. But, now I'm torn between his advice and the advice of all you experienced glider parents out there. The Metacam was prescribed in daily increments which is actually less than Tiki's weight demands. Does that sound like a potentially lethal dosage to you guys if I administer it for more than 3 days?

I HATE being so unsure of myself! Input and advice, please. confused

Last edited by sugarlope; 10/25/08 06:33 AM. Reason: removed dosage ~sugarlope
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #313226
06/13/07 09:52 AM
06/13/07 09:52 AM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,579
Sherman, Texas
MizValorie Offline
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Sherman, Texas
awww I know how you feel!!! Maybe you could call another glider vet or have your vet do a consult? I think that would be your best bet. Since there are some serious concerns...

I am so sorry...I hope you find your way.


Valorie and our 10 fur children

RIP Mary Kate
Re: Tail Trouble [Re: MizValorie] #313250
06/13/07 10:29 AM
06/13/07 10:29 AM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,060
Kansas
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LSardou Offline
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Kansas
I'm sorry your feeling stressed with what to do. I feel that the best thing to do is get another opinion.
Dancing is truly an expert in her advice, she has had years of experience with "sick" gliders, and understands the side effects of what some medications can do.
If you don't feel comfortable with what's been said so far, please have your vet consult with another experienced vet.
I pray that you will be given the advice that your most comfortable with. hug2

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: LSardou] #313280
06/13/07 10:52 AM
06/13/07 10:52 AM

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I have used Dr. G. for the longest time and have always trusted his wisdom, but, I'm getting such different opinions from the glider community, which, in truth, does sometimes know better than the docs just from sheer experience with gliders, that I'm feeling very insecure.

I ask you all to pray that God clearly speaks and shows me the right things to do. cry confused

Re: Tail Trouble [Re: ] #313739
06/13/07 08:26 PM
06/13/07 08:26 PM

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idea i know you are worried, but to consult another vet would be best, it's always good to get a secound opinion, i before nutering my little boy went to my vet, asked him how much he knew, didn't feel comfortable at all with what he said , referred him to this site, he also said he'd do some research on the web as well, and i also had done my research i had talked to someone on here too, cannot remember whom thou, but torb was what we decided on for pain meds, i know that your situation is alot far worse than nutering, so just get another opinion, get dancing to help you talk to a vet she's wonderful on her knowledge and like everyone has said she's got years of expierence, dr's are not always right, but that's why there are many out there. please keep us updated thanks -prayers still coming your way thumb

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