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History of a Self Mutilator

Posted By: sugarglidersuz

History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 01:54 PM

Mareki has been a Self Mutilator for over a year now cry It all started in January, 2006 when I discovered a small wound on her left patagium. It is unknown whether that initial wound was self-incurred or came from some sharp object within the cage (which I was never able to find, even with using a cotton ball going over every millimeter of the cage shakehead ) Treatment included topical and oral antibiotics, pain meds and an e-collar.


After treatment and subsequent healing, in June, 2006 I discovered that the left patagium was again opened up, in the same area (I did not take a picture of that wound). Unbeknownst to me, Self Mutilation had begun cry I simply believed that the old wound had not completely healed and had reopened. Treatment included topical and oral antibiotics, pain meds and an e-collar. Once again, the wound appeared to heal completely within a few weeks of the onset of treatment.

Then, in October, 2006 I discovered yet another wound on the left patagium. This time, it was quite extensive and was obvious that it was Self Mutilation. Upon discussion with Bourbon, I decided to take Mareki to a well-known sugar glider vet in Columbus, Ohio even though it was a three hour drive away. Upon examination, Dr. Donald Burton found another wound, much smaller, on the right patagium. This was further evidence of the fact that this was Self Mutilation, since the wounds were bilaterally located. Treatment was begun with application of a topical solution called Synotic, which is a solvent, to prevent granulation and scar-tissue from building on the wound margins. One of the side-effects of this solution is a strong, instantaneous garlic flavor in the glider's mouth. As a result, no e-collar was necessary to prevent Mareki from continuing to attack her wounds. In addition, a special oral medication was formulated by Dr. Burton which included the solvent, an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. C&S results showed a strain of staph infection. Another antibiotic was prescribed. Also, the wound was flushed twice daily with sterile saline solution and SSD ointment was applied. Healing took several weeks, but did finally occur.


In January, 2007, both patagiums were again Self Mutilated, although not as extensively as the previous wound. Treatment again included oral and topical antibiotics, Synotic solution, sterile saline rinses, etc.


In March, 2007, both patagiums were again Self Mutilated to a lesser degree. More so on the right side than the left. Treatment was as in January. No pictures taken.

Yesterday, I discovered that the Self Mutilation has started again. Thus far, it is only on her right patagium, but the wound is quite deep. In addition, her tail is overgroomed on the shaft and at the tip cry I have an appointment at 10:00 a.m. to bring her in to my local vet for consultation and possible treatment. I am planning to ask her about the possibility of treatment with Valium for stress (per recommendation by Xfilefan) and Colasate Spray for topical antibiotic and as a preventive from overgrooming the affected areas (per recommendation by Queenduck). I will continue to update as more information/progress is made on Mareki's treatment.






Also, during the past month, I have been trying to introduce Nara to Mareki for companionship since Dr. Burton felt loneliness may be one of the contributing factors in Mareki's Self Mutilation. Sadly, all overtures on Nara's part have been violently rejected by Mareki. At this time, I have given up on introducing them to each other. My current plan is to try to introduce an older (7 years), neutered male (named Darwin) to Mareki in a couple of weeks. I will be getting Darwin from sugeebaby in Michigan.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 02:46 PM

I am so sorry you are going thru this, my heart and prayers are with you, I hope your baby accepts Darwin and it stops the SM problem. Poor sweet little baby!
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 04:02 PM

Just back from the veterinarian's office. Sadly, this time the wound is actually not on the patagium. Upon examination, Dr. Tiffany Meyer determined that it is actually a deep, conical wound directly over the thoracic cavity. The concern is that the conical shape is indicative of a drainage wound and the cone is directed towards the heart cry It is self-inflicted; however, what is the underlying cause of the Self Mutilation? This continues to be the question shakehead
Further examination revealed that in addition to the overgrooming of the shaft and tip of the tail, there is a large patch of skin/fur on her back, around the dorsal stripe near her rear hips, that is dry and the skin/fur are flaking off. In addition, her left ear is also dry and flaky and there is some "dirt" in her ear cavity. These symptoms are indicative of mites, but upon examination of tissue samples, no mites were able to be found, even though excellent samples were obtained. In the possibility that mites is one of the problems, Mareki was given a sub-cutaneous injection of Ivermectin.
For the wound, Cephalexin (an oral antibiotic) was prescribed. This is the same antibiotic that Dr. Burton had prescribed last October after the C&S was done. I will continue with topical treatment with the Synotic Solution, as well. In addition, I am to give her yogurt along with the antibiotic to promote the good bacteria in her digestive system.
Dr. Meyer is going to call Jen's (Xfilefan's) veterinarian, Dr. Harris, in Utah to consult with her about Mareki's overall condition and to discuss the possibility of treatment with a sedative of some sort. She is not comfortable with treating with Valium due to the possible negative effects on the liver with prolonged usage of it.
Another avenue that Dr. Meyer is considering is the possibility of hypothyroidism. The combination of Mareki's continued obesity (she's currently 193 grams, in spite of dietary restrictions to try to encourage weight loss), along with the dry, itchy, patchy skin/fur in addition to the continued, ongoing Self Mutilation are the reasons that she suspects hypothyroidism. She is checking with another exotic veterinarian in the area to find out what testing needs to be done and what subsequent treatment would be if she tests positive for it.
Overall, I was very impressed by Dr. Meyer's examination and her concerns about the underlying cause of the continual, prolonged Self Mutilation pattern. She is determined to find the underlying cause so that the root of the problem can be treated. Updates will continue as more information is determined. Please keep Mareki in your prayers... this is far from over yet cry

edited to add:
I am going to move this thread over to Health & Hygiene as it seems to be a better fit for this thread at this time...
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 04:13 PM

What about genetic history? I know my brother's dogs (male and female siblings, same litter) have a bad skin problem (might be allergies, but don't know), one worse than the other. They get super dry, occasionaly flakey looking skin. The one with the worst of it tends to lick the heck out of it when it flares up, which leads to bleeding and open sores (I believe it turns to staph or strep infections, one or the other). The one is on a steroid medications, which definitely helps with the problem, but will likely GREATLY reduce his life expectancy... Their issues are most likely a result of poor breeding, so perhaps that's a possibility...
Also, was she rejected as a joey? Just curious as to whether or not this was one of those continual problems that mom may have noticed in her youth, unbeknownst to you... Does she have any offspring, siblings or close relatives with similar problems, even perhaps not AS severe?
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 04:18 PM

Excellent questions, Gina. Mareki, is in fact, the first rejected joey that I ever hand-fed. She was rejected by DaisyMae at only 1 week oop, although not completely. I supplement fed Mareki and DaisyMae took care of her in all other ways.
Mareki is also the glider that was a result of inadvertant inbreeding. At the time, I didn't know that gliders could become sexually mature at only 5 months oop. DaisyMae was housed with her biological brother, Pepe, who was 8 months oop at the time. I was horrified when I discovered Daisy's pregnancy shakehead Needless to say, once Mareki was old enough, Pepe and Daisy were separated from each other.
Mareki did have one joey that survived to adulthood, my Allira. Allira's sire is my Coobah. Allira has had problems with overgrooming, but it was definitely stress-related and once we determined the stressors and eliminated them from her environment, it has not been an issue ever again.
Neither DaisyMae nor Pepe (Mareki's parents) have ever shown any indications of overgrooming nor of dry/flaky skin dunno

Edited to add:
Also, to my knowledge, none of Mareki's half-siblings have ever shown any indications of any of these problems. I own her half-sister Luna (Pepe is her sire) and my best friend owns her half-sister Sugar (DaisyMae is her dame). Pepe and Bittah have had 23 offspring together to date over the course of the past 3.5 years, and to my knowledge, none of them have shown any of these problems dunno
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 04:33 PM

I know there isn't a whole lot out there on EXACTLY what the results of inbreeding are, so maybe this is just one of the possibilities. My brother's dogs don't always get the bad looking skin until it's a problem--leading to excessive scratching, then the flakey skin, and sores. Maybe something is just bothering her, leading to the overgrooming and SM. His worst areas tend to be in the spots where the fur is more sparse--like in his "armpits". Both dogs ARE purebred, but with no papers, not sure about the relation between mom and dad (they are pets, and were never meant for breeding, anyway, so that was never an issue).
Because it may be allergies, both dogs ended up going on a fresh diet, free of wheat products(thought to be the problem), for a while. The were fed lean meat (venesin), potatoes, beans, carrots, occasional egg, and maybe a few other things that I can't remember. The problems seemed to clear up, but they weren't on it long enough to be sure-- they began to become food aggressive as they were used to being free fed, and this diet didn't allow for it. So maybe it's an allergy--not sure how they'd run an allergy panel on a glider, though!
And since she was rejected, the possibility that mom knew is definitely there. But you also said mom was pretty young, so it's hard to say for sure.

In any case, and meant to say this earlier--sorry you are going through with all of this. Hope everything turns out in the end.
Posted By: BeckiT

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 04:34 PM

Sorry she's having all these problems Suz! Hope that with the collaboration of the other vets that your vet is able to get a treatment plan into action that helps her out!! hug2
Posted By: Srlb

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 08:48 PM

Suz, I know you said that they checked for mites, did they happen to check for lice?

I have to say Gina, allergies came to my mind right away too. It could be very possible.

Suz, are they doing or have they done any blood work yet? Sorry if you have already stated about this and I overlooked it.

Feel free to have your vet call Dr.T as well. Who knows between the three of them they might be able to come up with something.

Prayers going out to ya.
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 09:01 PM

Peggy,
She hasn't done any bloodwork yet. I think she wanted to talk to the vet about the hypothyroidism first... I'm sure blood testing will be involved with that frown
I will give her Dr. T's number, too, the next time I talk to her, which probably won't be until Monday...
Posted By: ValkyrieMome

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 09:05 PM

I had a dog with extremely severe allergies, also. She was a self-mutilator, although I didn't know the expression at the time. Her skin was so dry, it would look raw and red. She would exacerbate the problem by chewing and chewing, until she'd be bleeding. It was horrible. Cortical steroids helped relieve the itching, so she wouldn't chew herself so much.

It was a result of in-breeding, I now know. A common problem with certain pure breeds. She was also mill bred. Now I know.
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 09:07 PM

Also, I did get a couple of pix of her back after I brought her home this afternoon. This first one is a full-view of her... you can see where her dorsal stripe starts to get interrupted over her hips frown


This 2nd one is a close up of the area, I had to really rub her fur backwards to get the detailing of it to show...

(For a larger image, to show more detail, click HERE)
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 09:08 PM

Val,
So your experience supports Gina's with the inbreeding being the cause of the severe allergies... I wonder if that's Mareki's problem then dunno
Edited to add:
Peggy,
She didn't check for lice, but I did use a nit-comb to comb her fur when I got home (after taking the pix) and didn't find any...
Posted By: Gliderbuff

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 11:25 PM

Oh, sweetie...I am so sorry that this is happening to little Mareki and to you. It sounds like you are doing SO much for her that she must know how much you care for her and want her to stay the course and make it through.

I have already prayed for you both and will continue to do so.

I am more sorry than I can say. Cuddle her close. She knows how much you love her. In your hands, I'm sure she will live to glide again... hug2
Posted By: ValkyrieMome

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/01/07 11:44 PM

Suz -- I'm so sorry you and Mareki are having to deal with this. Can I just say -- her face is so sweet! I love the tufts of fur on her ears! I've never seen a glider like that.

Dalmatians are one breed in particular that have problems because of in-breeding. Deafness, allergies, etc.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 12:41 AM

hug2 Hope all turns out well - and thank you for posting this. There is so much unknown in the area of sm that the more we learn and share the more hope there is for gliders that have these problems in the future
Posted By: BlndGrl8

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 12:52 AM

Oh Suz I am so saddened to hear about your poor, sweet, Mareki. I know you are taking the very best care of her and getting her all the help she needs. I will pray for her to heal quickly and for you to be filled with peace and hope! Thank you for sharing with us, I know it must be hard to go through, but we are all here for you!!
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 01:00 AM

Aw, Suz hug2 hug2 I'm sure they'll come up with something. I never had to use the valium very long term or at full dose-I'll make sure to remember it can cause liver issues in those circumstances-that was something I didn't know.

I'm seeing Dr. Harris with Lyah in the morning (teeth again), and I'll ask her to give special attention to Mareki's problem. Hang in there hug2
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 01:38 AM

Thank you, everyone, for your kind words, support and prayers - they really do mean a lot to me hug2

Jen, I'd appreciate you mentioning Mareki's case to Dr. Harris. I doubt that Dr. Meyer has called her yet. She was booked solid today (I was able to get Mareki in only because I already had 2 appointments scheduled for my cats' annual exams; I rescheduled them and brought Mareki instead smile ). I don't know when she's planning to call Dr. Harris, but I know she is planning to. Hopefully by Monday at the latest worried

This evening, after going up to the church for a special choral prayer service, I just got home and gave Mareki her meds. She had managed to get one of the edges of the wound raw in the short time I was gone shakehead Sadly, Mareki is so "fluffy" at this point that it is impossible to put an e-collar on her anymore... her head is smaller than her neck blush Apparently, the effects of the Synotic had worn off. Needless to say, she got a fresh dose!

I'm hoping to get some better pix of the wound tomorrow with my hubby's assistance...
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 01:40 AM

And Val... those tufts of fur are actually on her neck... it's just her neck is so big that the fur there is rather like a lion's mane now heart
Posted By: Holly1221

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 03:14 AM

awww, Suz cry poor Mareki. sending lots of hug2 && suggie kisses to you && your Mareki. Misos says to tell Mareki to feel better. you both will come through this, i know it. i'll be sending my prayers to the Lord && Lady to help you
Posted By: Usha77

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 03:38 AM

Oh, Suz, I am so sorry you are going through this. I am sending lots of hug2 and prayers that you find the right treatment for your beautiful girl!
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 07:30 AM

Suz, as a matter of fact...I've printed your thread, complete with pictures, to take with me in the morning. Then at least Dr. Harris will be somewhat familiar with what's going on. hug2
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 04:20 PM

Jen,
Thanks for all your help! I really appreciate it. hug2

I just got an e-mail from Dr. Meyer. I'll try to summarize it here:

She posted on her vet forum and got some feedback from her colleagues. They have recommended blood work and a biopsy, culture & sensitivity from the wound on the thorax. They also unanimously said that it's most likely due to her needing a companion (I'll be picking up Darwin next Saturday from Karen/sugeebaby).
According to the other vets, hypothyroidism is not usually an issue with gliders. None of them had heard of the Collasate spray that Queenduck used on her gliders with the tail injuries.
Dr. Meyers did get dosages on valium, torb and ace so that is still a possible angle of treatment.
So, for now, we're going to keep Mareki on the antibiotics for a week (which she actually LOVES the flavor of shakehead ) and then if she's not making progress we're going to try the biopsy and bloodwork.

Mareki seems to be doing fine this morning. She was making a lot of undertone sounds during the night, but every time I checked on her, she was fine. No new damage to the wound this morning, so she's holding her own right now smile

Thanks again for all the support hug2 hug2 hug2
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 07:26 PM

Suz, I gave Dr. Harris this thread, and here's something...she knows and has worked with Dr. Burton. smile She did mention a few things she might try after reading about Mareki...Haloperidol being one option (and thinks she would benefit)...and I can't remember what the other two she mentioned were. Anyway, she'll be waiting for your vet's call.
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/02/07 08:11 PM

thanks Hopefully she'll be calling her on Monday smile
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/03/07 04:45 AM

Aww poor Mareki and poor you! I am definetly praying for this little girl and sending "smart vibes" to the vet names mentioned so someone can come up with a way to help this little girl...she is adorable even if she is a little "fluffy"
Posted By: Kitkatt1216

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/03/07 06:14 AM

Poor Mareki! Sending good thoughts your way for a recovery for her and a good intro. to Darwin to fix the problem.
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/03/07 10:09 AM

Oh, and about the things (meds) she was 'thinking out loud' about-ie the haloperidol and that. She says it's (they're) used in birds and other exotics for similar issues. And that there are some new ones she's had good results with (the one's I couldn't remember until I got to paper to write down, lol). Let me know after they've talked, and what happens. I'm really trying to help. Your little girl deserves to be happy as well as healthy. hug2
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/03/07 12:24 PM

I will definitely let you know, Jen hug2
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/03/07 12:39 PM

Oh, oh (drat, I'm losing my train of thought)....

Shoot...oh, I got it.

She also said...that she thinks from previous times that there may be nerve damage there that might be helping to trigger the recurrences also. Anyway, meant to put that with the last post, and couldn't remember. I think I got everything now, tho.
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/03/07 12:51 PM

I've wondered about nerve damage, too... plus about the scar tissue. Would the scar tissue aggravate her to pick at the "foreign object" like they'll do with sutures and stuff dunno but I have wondered... worried And if that's the case, is there really anything that can be done about it, except to use some sort of sedative? dunno So many unknowns right now... I guess I'll just keep taking it one day at a time...
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/03/07 12:55 PM

She had that in mind with the meds she was talking about-I think she was thinking along the lines of birds that just can't stop pulling all their feathers out and such? -I have NO experience with birds, but I have heard of that happening. As well as nerve or other physical damage-she's thinking along psychological lines also, and stress. I do hope that between them she and your vet can come up with a plan.
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/04/07 01:24 PM

Suz...how is Mareki today? worried hug2
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/04/07 01:37 PM

Bless her little heart, she was trying to run in her wheel last night heart But she's so chubby that she could only sort of amble/shuffle along shakehead The wound is looking good though - no infection and no further damage thumb The slight swelling that was present when I brought her to Dr. Meyer on Friday is now completely gone!

I'll be calling Dr. Meyer in just a bit... I'll post another update after we talk...
Posted By: Xfilefan

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/04/07 01:44 PM

Suz, even with her face so swollen her eye was gunky, Lyah (and she is a really FLUFFY girl, too) would also amble along at her walk in her wheel, lol. step-step-step-step (pause) step-step-step-step (pause) crazy That's a good sign she's willing to exercise-and even fluffy will help keep their little hearts in shape, circulation going (which helps with healing), and muscles in shape, etc. I'm glad Mareki is getting her exercise-thank you for the update (I'm worried for your girl). hug2

Oh-and when I get home I have a pic of a prototype "collar" that may come in useful even at her weight should one be necessary-don't let me forget!
Posted By: Gliderbuff

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/05/07 07:48 AM

Oh suz-

I am SO worried about little Mareki....I hope the exercise continues. It's a good sign that she wants to get better. thumb

Give her a kiss, a snuggle and a mealie from all of us here in my zoo. We are ALL thinking of her and sending prayers that she will recover soon and without relapse. hug2

We all love and believe in you! If anyone can pull her through, it's you, hon.

Keep us updated. You all are never out of our thoughts... mlove
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 02:03 AM

Mareki had a fairly good day today although her poor tail is even patchier - so she's been overgrooming it even more shakehead
The wound on her chest is looking much better to my inexpert eye. We'll see what Dr. Meyer has to say when I bring her in for her follow-up tomorrow at noon worried I'm really hoping that she'll be willing to test for thyroid dysfunction, but don't have any documented cases in gliders to let her know about yet dunno
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 05:07 PM

Let us know when you get back how everything went. I hope the best for Mareki. Poor baby suggie. hug2 I'm prayin for y'all.
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 05:19 PM

Just back from Dr. Meyer's office. I have Mareki scheduled for a biopsy, bloodwork and x-rays on June 20th. Dr. Meyer said that even if the outside of the wound is healed by then, she will still be able to get a sample for the biopsy. I can't do it next week because I'll be out of town, so that's why the delay on getting it done. In the meantime, I'm continuing with the antibiotic treatment as prescribed. Her wound still looks about the same as it did on Friday, according to Dr. Meyer cry Also, Mareki has somehow managed to gain another 4 grams blush and is up to 197 grams now shakehead
As for the possibility of hypothyroidism, unfortunately, there are no values listed for what normal thyroid function panels would be for a sugar glider in the Carpenter's veterinary manual (which is more detailed than Merck's according to Dr. Meyer)... So there's no point in running tests for those values since we have no way of knowing if the results are normal or not dunno For now, Dr. Meyer wants to try the other tests listed above. If nothing comes from them, then she's willing to try treatment for the thyroid...
So, for now, we're in a holding pattern. I'll be picking up Darwin from Karen on Saturday and will start introductions right away (I know he's healthy since he's been in Karen's care for quite a while now, so I don't have to worry about a quarantine period.)
Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and support.
hug2 hug2 hug2
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 05:29 PM

hug2 My thoughts are with you hoping for a good outcome for Mareki
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 06:33 PM

Does the doc just need something to test against for the thyroid? I've got 3 pretty normal sized gliders that they're welcome to use if they need to check/if they can check. I don't mind a little drive to help out if I can. dunno

I hope they find SOME way to help little Mareki out. Mutilation has to be so hard to deal with. shakehead I'm hoping for y'all. hug2
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 07:10 PM

Thanks for the offer Amanda, but I have 9 other gliders that are in peak health so if she wanted to do a blood panel on them for comparison, it would be possible. However, gliders usually need to be anesthetized for blood draws, so there would be added risks in testing healthy gliders for "normal" values as a comparison. So, for now, we're going to try other avenues of treatment first...
I really do appreciate your offer though hug2 hug2 hug2
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 07:40 PM

I figured there was some odd risk involved, or you would have thought of that yourself thumb Just wanted to make sure JUST incase hug2 Good luck girlie.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 10:21 PM

Suz, is anyone you know having a male neutered any time soon? Since they would already be under ansesthezia maybe a blood draw could be done while they were already under?
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/06/07 11:57 PM

Thank you Suz for sharing all this with us. I know it must be difficult for you to see your baby going though all this...but as a "newbie" it is very educational.

I hope they can find a way to help her live a long and happy life.

Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/07/07 10:48 AM

Originally Posted By: TracyLynn
Suz, is anyone you know having a male neutered any time soon? Since they would already be under ansesthezia maybe a blood draw could be done while they were already under?
Tracy, that's an excellent idea & one I hadn't even thought of. I'm actually going to be getting both of my intact males neutered this summer. I'll ask Dr. Meyer about the possibility of this thumb Thanks for the suggestion!!!!
Originally Posted By: stormshy7
Thank you Suz for sharing all this with us. I know it must be difficult for you to see your baby going though all this...but as a "newbie" it is very educational.

I hope they can find a way to help her live a long and happy life.
You're right, it is very difficult for me right now. For obvious reasons, but also because it means that I have to humble myself and expose all the "dirty, little secrets" about Mareki's past cry However, if Mareki's history and experience can help even one other glider and its owner, then it's worth the exposure. Plus, it definitely helps me to get feedback from other owners about their experiences and suggestions on how to proceed. So, it's a win-win situation in that regard. hug2
Posted By: Gliderbuff

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/09/07 05:32 AM

How is little Marecki? I am worried, and praying daily for her health and recovery... frown

I hope you are handling the toll well and getting some rest in spite of the requirements this puts on you both. hug2

Keep us updated..
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: History of a Self Mutilator - 06/09/07 10:54 AM

Mareki is still doing okay. She's still overgrooming her tail shakehead but is leaving the chest wound alone (except for regular cleaning) thus far. The antibiotic is preventing infection and that's a big PLUS!

I'm going to be leaving for Michigan in just a while here so I can go to sugeebaby's to pick up Darwin (neutered, 7 year old male) to try to introduce to her. Hopefully she won't be able to resist his charms laugh Then I'll be heading on to Holland, MI to my parents' home to get ready for their 50th Anniversary celebration. So... I won't be online much during the next 10 days (internet access is spotty, at best, at my parents'). I'll update as I'm able.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers - it really means a lot to me hug2
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