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dying, please help

Posted By: Jambes

dying, please help - 06/20/15 06:59 PM

I found my baby hanging upside down from his cage this morning. He was looking so skeletal I was sure he was dead, but when I went to take him down, he started to barely move.

He is about 8 years old now, on hpw diet. When I fed him last night, he seemed a little lethargic but nothing too concerning.

I noticed he hadn't touched his water so I don't know if that's the cause. I tried to give him some Pedialtye in a dropped but I don't think he has the strength to swallow it. My house is 77° so its not a temperature problem.

I called my regular vet but they closed at noon today, so I tried 8 different ER services and the closest one is at least two hours away and I am afraid the car ride would kill him.

I live in Harvard,IL, maybe 20 mins from Lake Geneva, Wisoncsin. If anyone could please share some contact info that could help me, it would be appreciated.



His brother died 5-6 years ago from dehydration when I went on vacation and my sitter failed to give him water. I just feel like I am going through it all over again and I am not sure what else I can do.

Thank you.
Posted By: Jambes

Re: dying, please help - 06/20/15 07:04 PM

I forgot to add the he started balding around his ears 2 months ago. It wasn't due to grooming and I had him tested for mites, and there was no abnormal results.

We moved in January and are still adjusting so the vet thought it may be stress, or just balding in general. That's the only health problem I have had with him.
Posted By: LSardou

Re: dying, please help - 06/20/15 07:45 PM

Other than hydrating him with about 1cc of liquids (Pedialyte or Gateraid), keep him 'warm' as they can not regulate their body temperature.

Here are a couple of links to Vet listing in your state/area.
Vet Listing in IL.

If you are unable to locate a Vet from the above link, and are able to find one closer to you who's not familiar with Sugar Glider care, if they are willing to help and accept advice from another Vet following is a list of Vets who will do Phone Consultation with other Vets. These Vets will only do one on one consultation with another Vet.
Consulting Vets

Hope your little one will be alright. hug2


Posted By: Feather

Re: dying, please help - 06/20/15 07:50 PM

Linda gave you good advice. He really needs to be seen by a vet.
Posted By: Jambes

Re: dying, please help - 06/20/15 08:03 PM

I found a vet in Milwaukee that can help me. The problem is its going to be 1-2 hours in the car. On my way now though, I will keep you all updated.

I didn't get him to swallow a little bit of pedialytle so hopefully it will tie him over until I can get there
Posted By: LSardou

Re: dying, please help - 06/20/15 08:09 PM

I'm relieved to hear that you found someone. Make sure you keep extra liquids on hand on the way. It's important that you continue with the liquids frequently, as they can go downhill pretty quickly once they have become severely dehydrated. If he refuses to drink on his own, if you have a syringe or an eye dropper you can give it to him that way. Place the syringe (without the needle) close to the back of his teeth through the side of his mouth, gently squirt a little into his mouth.

You can also give him watermelon or grape if he would take that for nourishment.
Posted By: Jambes

Re: dying, please help - 06/20/15 10:19 PM

Yes, I was using an eye dropper to hydrate him on the way. Hard since I had to travel alone so I pulled over a few times.

He yelled at me when I moved him out of the car so at least he has some energy left.

Doctor said they will have to monitor him for 24 hours and keep him hydrated. He is in an incubator now from being cold.

They will run diagnostics on him once he gets better to make sure its not cancer or kidney failure.

Hoping for the best. Thank you ladies for your help.
Posted By: LSardou

Re: dying, please help - 06/20/15 10:23 PM

hug2 Keeping your little one in my prayers.
Posted By: mechnut450

Re: dying, please help - 06/20/15 10:40 PM

let us Know I hopping for the best for you
Posted By: Feather

Re: dying, please help - 06/21/15 12:43 AM

Thanks for the update. I will keep your little one in my prayers.
Posted By: Jambes

Re: dying, please help - 06/21/15 08:58 AM

No call from the doc yet so I think he is pulling through. I have been up all night in case I get "that" call.

I called 5-6 hours ago for an update, and they just readministered new fluids, and were going to to to feed an hour or two after. She said his temperature went up but he is still completely lethargic. Still hoping for the best- I know he is at a mature age but doesn't deserve any suffering.
Posted By: Terry

Re: dying, please help - 06/21/15 03:11 PM

I'm saying prayers for you and your little guy. What is his name?

Please keep us updated.
Posted By: Jambes

Re: dying, please help - 06/21/15 08:52 PM

His name is El. Thank you all for your prayers!


He made it through the night, but still doesn't have strength to swallow food so they are using a feeding tube. Body temperatures are normal but he is still dehydrated and they are monitoring liquids. I suppose its a good sign that he has come this far and is still fighting.

Doc says he is still too bad to start blood work so to call in a few hours. Nobody is sure as to how he got so dehydrated so its assumed he was masking some kind of sickness. Wish I could have caught on sooner but it's in God's hands now.
Posted By: Terry

Re: dying, please help - 06/21/15 09:59 PM

I pray that El will stay strong to beat this. Thanks for update, and letting us know his name.
Posted By: Jambes

Re: dying, please help - 06/21/15 11:57 PM

Sadly, El passed away. I was told that they tried to feed him again and started seizuring until his heart stopped. At least he is suffering no longer. Thank you all for your prayers.
Posted By: zanderfever

Re: dying, please help - 06/22/15 01:12 AM

Really sorry to hear. I've been quietly watching this thread hoping for good news.

Please consider getting a necropsy done. More people on this board can give you details on it. All I can say is that it'll help give you answers and aid in research being done on Glider health and taking care of Gliders with the hope that these events can be better avoided in the future.

Sorry once again. Thank you for doing so much to try and help.
Posted By: Feather

Re: dying, please help - 06/22/15 01:31 AM

I am very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your memories of him.

Glide Free Little El :rbridge:
Posted By: Kris_N_Zoe

Re: dying, please help - 06/22/15 02:18 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. upset I too recently lost a sweet boy. cry hug2

Let the memory of all the good times you had together comfort you and know that El is safe and gliding freely now. :rbridge:

And please do have at least a gross necropsy performed as it may reveal a hidden infection as my boy Smoke's did. gangel
Posted By: KarenE

Re: dying, please help - 06/22/15 03:57 PM

So very sorry for the loss of your little one hug2
Posted By: LSardou

Re: dying, please help - 06/22/15 05:51 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. hug2
Posted By: Terry

Re: dying, please help - 06/22/15 08:25 PM

I am so sad to hear the news, I offer you my deepest sympathies and wish I had more words to console you. You did your best by him, and yes, he is no longer suffering and knows that you loved him.
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