Jen, he looks much better! Thanks for sharing the pix with us
For comparitive information, here's info. about my Mareki and some pix of her as well... As you know, my Mareki was diagnosed with hypothyroidism shortly after Riker was. She was started on Levothyroxine on 10/02/07. Initially, it seemed to be making a large improvement in her energy level and she dropped from 202 grams (weight on 10/15/07) down to 184 grams (weight on 12/10/07). Unfortunately, her weight is back up a bit to 190 grams (on 1/04/08). The vet retested her T4 hormone level on the 4th and it came back identical to the first test from 9/07. So, we've increased her dosage of meds and are hoping for the best Here are some pix of Mareki from "before" Showing obesity and overgrooming on head: Dry, flaky skin on lower back: Thickened, yellowed nails:
And after... In December, when she was down to 184 grams
What is a good list of symptoms? I have one girl in a cage of three that is 184 grams, the other two are around 86-90 grams. Actually, most of my gliders are in the 80 to 110 range. I have 3 that are not. The other two, I know what their deal is. Sugar worries me, though.
Shawna Who are you networked with? Networking could save your gliders life. Create one now.
Wow Jen, Riker looks great! Thank you for the update and pics! I'm glad he is doing well! Suz, I hope they can figure out Mareki's meds. It's amazing to see the difference in both gliders!
~Gretchen
If we never loved, then maybe we would never feel pain. Love anyway. It's worth it.
I'm not positive these gliders are on the same med. I've offered to send Suz some of Riker's to try. It should be working better for her than it seems to be.
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
What is a good list of symptoms? I have one girl in a cage of three that is 184 grams, the other two are around 86-90 grams. Actually, most of my gliders are in the 80 to 110 range. I have 3 that are not. The other two, I know what their deal is. Sugar worries me, though.
Shawna, Here is the list of Mareki's symptoms: * obesity * inability to lose weight * lethargy * fluctuating appetite * dry, flaky skin * thickening, yellowed nails * overgrooming and/or self-mutilation If your vet wants to run testing on your gliders to determine whether it may be hypothyroidism, then the test to run is a T4 blood panel. I'm sure that both Jen's & my vet would be willing to consult with yours if needed. Just let me know and I can send you their contact information...
It's good to know these things and what to watch out for. Without the info you provide, most of us would be lost for answers!
Keeper of Handprints on my Heart, You left your Footprints on my soul. My precious loves that left to quickly, Peanut, Katie Isabella, Kiwi, Bonnie and Monroe.
Spread your wings and glide free of pain, Until the day I see you again.
Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed 
Sinbad, 
Baby, and 
Here are some pix of Mareki from "before" 
DaisyMae; Darwin; Mareki; Mambo; Pika; Cricky; Reggie & Bobo, Pepe & Bittah 
