I don't mean to appear ignorant, but...any idea what caused that? and could the pain from the Impacted Cloacal Gland Cysts have caused the SM of the penis?

Ok, don't feel stupid Carolyn. No one knows what caused it. My vets are ok, but not very suggie experienced. They are usually very vague. I know that myself and Jackie_Chans_Mom are trying to get more info on it. Suz told me that although she has heard of it, I guess it isn't very common so no one seems to have any info on it. I am doing all the research I can on it. The sm'ing of the penis was caused by it because the swelling of the glands is what caused the penis to prolapse. What I don't know is what caused the cysts to fill up.

Bruce said this problem could be caused by a piece of hard fecal material or inflammation in the opening of the gland and it could stop up the gland and not allow it to drain like it should, thus a cyst could form in the gland and it will have to drained.

He said hope this helps.

and prayers for you and your boy. I hope he gets better soon!

Thanks Ellen! I appreciate that! I am really having one heck of a time finding ANYTHING on this. I am really just trying to make sure to do anything I can to prevent this from happening in the future.

That was Bruce... He said you are welcome. He is always willing to help when he can.

I am typing for him as he is working on his computer.

Our prayers are with you. Oh wait......... he wants to know if he ever had any constipation problems and what diet he is on. There are ways to deal with this. We had to do it with Tom's glider. It never got to that point but almost.

Thanks Bruce! I have only had these guys for 2 weeks. He came in a colony with 3 others that were all rescues. I have them on BML and Val had them on BML for the 2 weeks she had them after they were rescued before coming to me. They did see Dr. G before they came to me for a full check up. Even right before he went into surgery he was able to use the restroom ok. I am just so puzzled.

Well, it seems as if Apollo's healing is going well, however, he is now blood biting more than ever! He has always been a blood biter but now, if any body part gets anywhere near the opening of his ecollar, he just lunges and attacks. I decided to try licky treats again tonight. My hubby had the stuff and I stepped out of the room for 1 minute. When I returned, he had blood running down his hand.

I feel that Apollo is hurting and extra mad. This is driving me crazy. I really felt that this experience would maybe help us bond better. Boy, was I wrong. I feel acutally that we are moving 2 steps back.

Try not to get too disheartened, Sam - I know it's hard to do though I was really hoping it would help your bond, too - and it may still yet... If I was closer, I'd come over and help you out with him. Know I'm just a phone call away though if you need phone support

I am so sorry, although Timmy isn't biting me, he is crabbing for the first time in two years at me! This is alot for him to be going through (on top of all the changes). Just do your best to get him through this, let him heal, and don't push the bonding part. I know that may sound backwards, but he is not feeling well right now and it will stress him more (in my opinion) since he is not bonded already. When he starts to feel better and things settle a little, then pick the bonding back up. Being in a similar situation (with the sm) my heart really goes out to you. Its not fun for anyone! Prayers continue.

Mary, I will keep you and Timmy in my prayers. I am so sorry that you have a little smer on your hands. Gosh ecollars aren't fun!

We are past the collar, he got it off and chewed a hole in his chest and now we can't do the collar, as it will rip it more. There isn't even enough skin left to suture, so they have him in a 'body suit' basically, made from vet wrap and gauze. So far, although he has chewed the top part near his face, it is holding up. He has to go in every three days to have it changed (and they have to sedate him to do it!) But it is really the only option left. Praying it will heal and then that he will leave it alone! One good thing, he can run in his wheel with it on, so that is keeping him happy!

Thank you. You really can't appreciate what someone goes through with an sm'er until you do yourself. My hat is off to anyone that has dealt with this, it is not easy.

Prayers continue for Apollo. How is he doing today?

My thoughts are with you and Apollo!! Hope everything goes well.

Well, here goes another night. Apollo refused to eat anything last night. I woke up at 2, 4, 6 and then again at 8am trying to give him his BML from a syringe. He wouldn't eat it. I just went out and bought him a tube feeder like suggested and wow....he is eating. So what he is basically saying is that he doesn't want any part of me. I don't care, he is eating and that is all that is important. He won't let me clean out his ecollar so I am planning on doing it as soon as he gets more food in him.

Antibiotics still must be forced. He HATES them! His surgery area looks good today. Luckly, he is healing good. That is the advantage here!

I'm sorry he's acting like this Sam. If only he knew how much you are helping him.

But you know, I bet once this is all over, your bond with be closer than ever! My sister's dog (who ended up being my dog) got hit by a car once, and I was the one to change her bandages. She attached herself to my hip after that. I'll bet he'll realize that you are making him better soon enough.

Sam, Try not to be too discouraged by his attitude. I know it's hard, but keep in mind that with his background, he doesn't think there's any reason to trust a human. In time, your gentle, patient love will overcome his distrust It took over 2 years for my Pepe to calm down after I got him and now he's a real sweetheart

Sam, I'm so sorry to hear about Apollo. I'm sure that he does know that you are helping him an he will pobably come around just fine after he is healed. He's a little freaked out right now, but I bet he will be your sweetest little boy after everything is said and done.

I had a boy that bit me every chance he could. But after time he is now my big baby and my most bonded glider.

My prayers are with you and Apollo.

Thanks again everyone. He only ate some BML last night but at this point, some is better than none! He had his little bath this morning and well, guess what...he hates that too! LOL! Here are some pics of his surgery area after his bath. I am trying to figure out if it is too red or not.

Apollo's surgery 1

Apollo's Surgery 2

Am I crazy? Does it look ok? I am just not sure since I have never had a glider go into surgery.

I am staying strong for him. I know that things will be better on his time, and only on his time. I will not give up on him and will stay strong for HIM.

Ok, some good news. Apollo is still not eating as much as I would like, however, his behavior is a little better. He is still trying to get away from me, but the lunging has cooled down. He is still upset with me forcing antibiotics, but what needs to be done needs to be done! Thanks again to everyone that has been praying for him (and me! )

Sam - You ARE doing an amazing job. I am so proud of you.

I truely believe that you and Apollo will one day have an amazing bond. Patience is a killer sometimes, but it will pay off. I am so grateful that you took Apollo into your home and that you are able to see him for who he will be rather than for the biter that he currently is. I am touched to hear of how you are caring for him and know in my heart that you are the right mommy for him and his cage mates.

I love you and I wish I was there to be of more help.

That is good news, Sam! Prayers continue for both of you!!

Just an update for those who are following Apollo's progress. I am planning on taking off his ecollar tomorrow evening so that I can watch him like a hawk for the remainder of the night since I am afraid that he might start SMing. Tomorrow is his last day of antibiotics. He is eating a few pureed veggies and seems to be ok as long as I am not around him. I still love him and even sneak kisses on his back when he isn't paying attention. I don't know what I am going to do when he can bite me again!

Thanks again for everyone who has cared throughout this whole thing. Your support has meant the word to me and has helped me through this! Thanks again!

*fingers crossed* Good luck!!

Thanks Carolyn....I think I may need it. I must remember that will ecollar off....teeth can reach me again! LOL!

Oh, you know you have tons of prayers from me! I know how scary this is! Keep that ecollar on the ready and if you feel yourself nodding, get it back on him. I would not risk having it totally off while you can't watch him just yet. Good luck!!

Ok, so today is the day! As soon as I get home, I am planning on taking the ecollar off. I am so nervous about a couple of things.
1. Will he SM?
2. Will he bite me?
3. Well, I know he is going to bite me, but how hard?
4. Will his cage mates hurt him?


Yesterday, my A cage made a noise and Apollo's ears perked up. He then made the same noise back. I think it is a good thing and it's good that they know he isn't far. One more day in the hospital cage then he is free. At least he will have his ecollar off tonight.

Oh I hope everything goes as planned! "crosses fingers"

Praying everything goes smoothly! Good luck and let us know. Btw, do you have a cat teaser? The reason I ask, you may want to have something to distract him a little and that way, your fingers aren't in the line of fire and you will get getting some bonding time in, so its a triple whammie! lol

Mary, I wish! I hate to say it but when this guy has access to flesh, he takes it. Not only can a mealie not distract him when he is really mad, but when he was in his ecollar, I put him on my bed and layed there to start some bonding. He actually ran towards my leg with teeth open. I had to dodge his to avoid the bite. He is just really, really angry and not trusting. I am just going to play it safe and see where it takes me. Thanks again for your support. Like you don't have a lot to worry about already!

sounds like Petey when I got him! Lets just say I got really fast at putting his food dish in and taking it out...lol It took time, but he came around. Now, he is not a cuddler (although I am thankful to say, when he was sick in February, he let me take care of him. Course, he was feeling so bad, once he started feeling better, he bit me again! Never thought I would be so happy to get bit! lol) Take your time with him. You have my prayers, I know it isn't easy!

Oh I DO hope everything goes well...hang in there girl, we're all right there with you!