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Swollen Cheek! Help!! #103255
05/16/06 01:26 PM
05/16/06 01:26 PM

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My little boy, Machu, got a swollen cheek last night... he has looked fine and been acting normal... even last night with his swollen cheek, he was eating, drinking and playing. I posted as unregistered user last night and got some replies, so I made an emergency vet appt. for today. I was also told to register and post on the health section, to maybe get more advise too before I go to the vet. diet, they eat veggies, fruits, oatmeal, yogurt, chicken, glider chow, and the one thing I think may have caused this, I also keep glider pellet food in the cage. That was their main diet before I got them. Since I have had them (since Christmas) I have studied glider diet recomendations and have been trying all sorts of good new food... they seem to love it all! But I never took away the pellets, since they were used to that. The last thing Machu ate before I noticed the swollen cheek was a papaya treat. he also loves his yogurt drops... I think he ate a drop before the treat. Anyhow, like I said, we have a vet appt. this afternoon. They are charging me $100 for the visit, plus any treatments or meds are extra. Any additional advise I can get before I go would be much appreciated. I am so attached already and very upset at the sight of my poor little baby. I'm trying to remain calm and not go in crying hysterically... I'm hoping I caught this early, whatever is wrong, and he will be back to normal soon. Any advise or similar stories could help me right now and would be good. Is it still ok to have my little girl, Picchu, in there with him? Are these things infectious? (Can Gliders and dogs infect eachother? I have 2 chihuahuas too) Thanks for helping a new Glider Lover/owner! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103256
05/16/06 01:41 PM
05/16/06 01:41 PM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,788
Cleveland, Ohio
sugarglidersuz Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarglidersuz  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,788
Cleveland, Ohio
[:"green"]Danic,
Thanks for registering & Welcome to GC <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Things the doctor needs to check for include an abscess. He also should take x-rays to see if the infection has affected his jawbone. Tonometry (glaucoma pressure check) should be done to make sure there isn't a secondary problem of elevated intraocular pressure. If the pressures are elevated, the vet will prescribe an eye-drop to be administered to help reduce the pressure & pain. If a sample can be gotten from the swollen tissue it should be sent out for Culture & Sensitivity to find out exactly what bacteria is involved so that antibiotics can be prescribed accordingly. In the meantime, a shot-gun antibiotic should be prescribed to tide him over until the exact type can be recommended from the C&S. Here are some previous postings of similar experiences on GC. Print them out and bring them along to the vet's when you go, along with the threads that I posted in your other thread before you registered...
Cmdr. Riker's facial infection is back Again
Swollen Head: unsure if in jaw or behind eye (This one is excellent because Jen (XFilefan) has attached copies of the x-rays; print those out as well for reference).
Good luck at the vet's and please let us know what happens...
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />


Suz Enyedy
:bb: Carina & Coobah
Allira & Gizmo :grey:
:grey: Picasso, Trinity Joy & Luna
:rbridge: DaisyMae; Darwin; Mareki; Mambo; Pika; Cricky; Reggie & Bobo, Pepe & Bittah


Suz' Sugar Gliders
Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103257
05/16/06 04:50 PM
05/16/06 04:50 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
Xglider Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
Xglider  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,158
Tampa, FL
You have already taken the best step possible in seeking professional – vet – advice, and not waiting to do so… <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" />

Please let us know how it turns out and how Machu is doing…


* ~ * 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: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103258
05/16/06 06:23 PM
05/16/06 06:23 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
Xfilefan Offline
Serious Glideritis
Xfilefan  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,899
Jacksonville, FL
The other thread was closed, so I'll put this here as well. Thanks for registering! Here was my other reply, so it's all together:

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
This is likely an infection in the face-could either be a bad tooth, or a condition called lumpy jaw. He needs to go to the vet ASAP. If the vet can get a sample from the bulge, great, otherwise you'll need to shotgun meds. These frequently are not easy to get rid of. If the vet cannot get a sample, he'll need to prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic (Baytril, Clavamox, etc. for a MINIMUM of 14 days) If he can...start with the shotgun meds and send the sample for a C & S (culture and sensitivity) to identify the exact 'bug', and what will work on it. Never delay treatment waiting for test results-they can take up to 10 days to come back, and in the meantime he'll just be getting worse.

These infections are caused by tiny scratches in the gums, thru which bacteria enters. It can go into the eye, neck, and head and bony structures-so you really don't want to "wait and see". I seriously doubt he has something stuck in there. Since I have one with chronic facial infections, I have seen this before.

One of the biggest culprits is diet...particularly hard pellets (that scratch the gums). Please let us know exactly what you feed (everything)...and we can help on diet if that is the issue.

And Welcome to GC! I'm sorry your earliest posts are with a health issue-but we are here to help. To say again-please do register (it's free) and then you'll have full access to all of the forums, including Health & Hygiene (where this will get more attention and assistance).

For now, get this little one into a vet As Soon As Possible! And keep us updated on his condition.



<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">


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: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103259
05/16/06 09:26 PM
05/16/06 09:26 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



ok, so 1 vet visit and $350 dollars later, and Machu is doing better! They had to drain his cheek... the vet said it was green and smelled bad, so she sent it off to the lab, but said it looked like infection vs. cancer, so that is good. She couldn't tell me what caused the infection though...since the draining, his cheek looks much better... they shaved his cheek fur and gave him an antibiotic injection. I need to try and feed him antibiotics via a syringe starting tomorrow... we'll see how that goes. The vet is sending out a culture to see if he needs a different antibiotic... for now, he is on 0.05ml of Baytril. The vet was impressed at how tame he was (yea, Machu!) but they still had to give him some gas to do the proceedure. He is resting right now, and he has been eating just fine. I'm hoping this is an isolated incident. The vet could not tell me what caused the infecion to begin with... does anyone know what might cause cheek infections? My little girl has been swatting at Machu, but I haven't seen any fighting which would cause injury. I'm hoping to avoid this problem in the future... I was so sad to see little Machu's face swollen. If anyone has advice on how to avoid infection issues, please let me know!! Thanks for the support so far! much appreciated! I was surprised at how emotional I was at the vet's office. These little guys become family quick! I'll send photos soon of Machu & Picchu. I love my little sugar babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" />

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103260
05/16/06 09:51 PM
05/16/06 09:51 PM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
glidrz5 Offline
Serious Glideritis
glidrz5  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
Poor baby, I'm so glad that little Machu is doing better. My Nicky has had an abscess on his nose before & it is hard to see them with a swollen lump on your face. It sounds like your vet is great with getting it drained & a culture sent off. As far as giving your baby his medicine, you might want to read through this thread on giving Syringe Medicine. Jen (Xfilefan) gives some very detailed instructions complete with pictures on the procedure.


Chris
Illusion, Malcom, Isabell, Annabelle, Zach, Isis, Aly & Indy
AND Miss Emmy & Miss Chloe kitties

:rbridge: My Angels: You are always in my heart.

You've flown to the rainbow
and wait there for me
Someday I will join you
together to be


Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103261
05/17/06 01:59 AM
05/17/06 01:59 AM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 9,910
Phoenix, AZ
KattyM Offline
Serious Glideritis
KattyM  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 9,910
Phoenix, AZ
What a relief that Machu is now on the road to recovery! Kudos to you for acting quickly! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />

I would stop feeding the hard glider pellets, or at the very least, soak them first. In addition to the two links you were already given, you might want to check out the following:

Cmdr Riker has an Upper Jaw Infection
Swollen Cheek Under Eye.....Need Advice!!!!
"lumpy jaw?"
Lumpy Jaw
Swollen Cheek! Help!!
HELP! My gliders cheek is swollen
Rocky's face is swollen again
Glider with very swollen jaw/face/eye My Bandit has swollen cheek/infected eye
Need help NOW - Lumpy jaw
PUFFY CHEEK
Lumpy Jaw
Jaw Abscesses
Head Shape and Lumpy Jaw
Lumpy Jaw Question
cheek infections
Cyst?
lumpy jaw

Happy reading! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/read.gif" alt="" />


Forever owned in my heart by my :grey: "Eight is Enough" colony:

:rbridge:
• 2002: Keiko (F) + 2003: Hiroshi (M) = 2004: joey Tomoki (M)
• 2009: Sammy (F), Charlie (F), Murray (M), Herbie (M)
• 2010: BJ (M)
Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103262
05/17/06 12:23 PM
05/17/06 12:23 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Thanks for sending these... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> I have already started reading and printing out for my vet. It sounds like just baytril alone might not cure the infection. The vet did take a culture, so I know we will find out the exact bacteria in a couple days, until then I guess I will keep giving the Baytril. Machu's eye is still swollen... I think it might be filling back up with fluid, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" /> it looked better right when we left the office yesterday. She didn't lance it, but drained it with a needle (I think that's different than lancing... she said she didn't want to open a larger wound than she had to, since his infection looked odd... green and very smelley, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> I was told) I'm afraid this will take a while to cure... I'm just hoping it does get cured... I hate to see Machu's eye like this, sunken in a bit... and his little puffy shaved cheek
At least he's eating and acting normal otherwise. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" /> I will wait to hear the lab results, then maybe try the clindamycin & metro. Good grief, I never read anything about this issue when I started researching gliders, right after I received Machu & Picchu as gifts. I knew keeping them would be a little more involved than your average pet. I didn't know I'd be running to the vet, crying with my poor baby and a huge swollen cheek! It sounds like I'm not alone with this crisis. I'm happy to have found GC... it's been a HUGE help to a new glider mum!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" />

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103263
05/17/06 12:28 PM
05/17/06 12:28 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



OH, and I did take the pellets OUT of the habitat! And I got them some mealworms... they have never had them before... they munched the 1st 2 really quickly! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
How often and how many mealworms should they get?

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103264
05/17/06 09:57 PM
05/17/06 09:57 PM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
glidrz5 Offline
Serious Glideritis
glidrz5  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
The number of mealworms depends on the size of them. I feed mine the large ones & they get @5 per day.


Chris
Illusion, Malcom, Isabell, Annabelle, Zach, Isis, Aly & Indy
AND Miss Emmy & Miss Chloe kitties

:rbridge: My Angels: You are always in my heart.

You've flown to the rainbow
and wait there for me
Someday I will join you
together to be


Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103265
05/17/06 10:07 PM
05/17/06 10:07 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Also depends what diet you feed; With BML (and a general rule):
Large to Jumbo: 3 to 4
Medium: 5 to7
Small: 8 to 10

SOME other diets may vary the amount of mealies you can feed.....

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103266
05/18/06 02:59 AM
05/18/06 02:59 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Machu ate 2 really quickly tonight and Picchu ate only one, then she was done....I will see if I can get them to start eating more. Thanks for the info...good to know! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thanx.gif" alt="" />

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103267
05/18/06 10:50 AM
05/18/06 10:50 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



I hope your baby feels better soon!

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103268
05/18/06 11:00 AM
05/18/06 11:00 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



glad to hear he's doing better! Is the swelling all gone already?

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103269
05/19/06 02:14 AM
05/19/06 02:14 AM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



NO! The swelling has gotten worse!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shakehead.gif" alt="" /> I am soooooooooo sad and scared right now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" /> His eye is almost shut, you can barely see his little (usually big) globe of an eye. I called the vet back again today. She said his lab sample results should be back tomorrow. I asked her about the other antibiotics I read here in GC forum. She said we can try something different, she just wants to see his results from the lab. And to make matters worse, I have to work a HUGE event this weekend, no way I can call it off, and I have to stay away for 2 whole miserable days! I have my boyfriend (and recently proclaimed co-glider <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />lover)who will be in charge of Machu. I was actually working today setting up for my event, but drove the 2 hours home to check on him. To my horror, when I gave him his meds tonight I saw that his swelling has increased. I had already told the vet earlier on the phone that I wanted him back in the office, so my boyfriend is taking him 1st thing tomorrow. I wish I could be there really badly. But more so, I want him just to be ok.... that's all I want. I already can't imagine losing him. ok, starting to cry again... Please someone tell me he will not die... that he will be ok through this. Is there a chance he could lose his vision with this type of infection? It's just so hard to see him this way... I don't want to think he will not recover 100%. I just don't know what else to do right now... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" /> feeling helpless. As you can maybe tell, as I babble on and on. But I already feel the love here at GC, and I am thankful for everyone's support. I will check in when I return from my weekend of worries and let you all know how Machu is doing. Keep him in your thoughts please. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/needhug.gif" alt="" />

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103270
05/19/06 02:44 AM
05/19/06 02:44 AM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 9,910
Phoenix, AZ
KattyM Offline
Serious Glideritis
KattyM  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 9,910
Phoenix, AZ
Here's a giant <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />.

Only the vet can say if he'll lose his vision or anything else. From what I've read, though, they are extremely adaptable. You may want to read this thread on Caring For Blind Gliders.

Don't let your mind run away on you, though. You've got a plan. Your co-glider lover and boyfriend will be taking him to the vet again. He's in good hands while you're fulfilling your obligation. There's nothing you can do while you're at your weekend event, so try (I know it's hard) not to worry. Remember what Mark Twain said, "I had many troubles in my life. ...Most of them didn't happen."

Sending <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> and prayers.


Forever owned in my heart by my :grey: "Eight is Enough" colony:

:rbridge:
• 2002: Keiko (F) + 2003: Hiroshi (M) = 2004: joey Tomoki (M)
• 2009: Sammy (F), Charlie (F), Murray (M), Herbie (M)
• 2010: BJ (M)
Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103271
05/19/06 03:08 AM
05/19/06 03:08 AM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
glidrz5 Offline
Serious Glideritis
glidrz5  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,297
Quincy, IL
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> Hang in there. I know it's hard to see them hurting. You feel so helpless but you are doing all that you can for him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
I know when my Nicky's nose swelled up (it was the top of his nose) it just seemed to keep getting bigger & bigger & bigger and the swelling spread to include some around his eye. It didn't seem to bother or hurt him, as he was active & continued to play lots, tho I would have thought that it would have hurt alot. Then one morning it was gone. He did have a little scrape on his nose where it was, so I'm assuming he opened it himself sometime during the night. My vet had me put triple antibiotic ointment on the scrape and he healed up just fine. I'm sending prayers that your baby heals up just as well.
How is his behavior otherwise. Is he still eating and active?

Last edited by glidrz5; 05/19/06 03:10 AM.

Chris
Illusion, Malcom, Isabell, Annabelle, Zach, Isis, Aly & Indy
AND Miss Emmy & Miss Chloe kitties

:rbridge: My Angels: You are always in my heart.

You've flown to the rainbow
and wait there for me
Someday I will join you
together to be


Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103272
05/19/06 05:29 AM
05/19/06 05:29 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9,173
Edwardsville, Kansas 66113
Judie Offline
Serious Glideritis
Judie  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9,173
Edwardsville, Kansas 66113
I am not sure how you are treating the abcess at home outside of just admin an oral med.

However, I do know... incision to the abcess needs to be kept open so it can drain. If the abcess has scabbed over... the infection will only brew inside the tissue.... causing the infection to spread to more surrounding tissue resulting with more swelling and pain.

vet needs to show you how to keep the abcess open so it can drain. Often this is done by just flushing the abcess daily X amount of times for X amount of days with normal saline or antibiotic solution. By flushing the wound... this will keep it open so it can heal from the inside out.

Med can be changed if needed when the C&S results are back from the Lab. So for right now... the wound needs to be flushed and kept open to drain which will reduce the swelling.

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103273
05/19/06 01:20 PM
05/19/06 01:20 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



Yeah, I'm with you, yesterday, Pik was popped & flushed. Man, you chould have seen the smelly, vast amounts of goo that came out. craziness. Well, anyway, the swelling went down some, but the sad thing is, it is coming back rapidly. Dr T showed me how to do what needed done. Bad thing is, I don't get the numbing Lidocane to do it. So, I'm praying that I don't have to, or I can run him back to the vet for the shot. Then do it myself, because none of the other vets there are real glider savy, and there are NO glider emergancy places here for me to go. (I know I; was turned away)

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103274
05/22/06 09:47 PM
05/22/06 09:47 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



I returned from my weekend of work to find Machu's eye looking worse. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" /> He went back to the vet on Friday with my boyfriend, and the vet drained his cheek again via needle. She gave me the option of lancing it, but since I was not going to be around personally to flush and clean it myself, I was afraid to open up a wound like that. Now his eye is more swollen, and you can see the red swelling more than you can see the eyeball. The only good news is I showed the vet the GC messages <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/read.gif" alt="" /> and we got Machu on a cocktail of Clavamox, Metro and Baytril. The vet didn't give me very much, tho... I think I will be going back to get more. I am figuring he will need the meds for 6 to 8 weeks to make sure this infection is GONE!! I'm trying to keep my emotions under control... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worried2.gif" alt="" /> I want to let the meds do their job.... Does anyone think I MUST get the lancing done? or will the swelling eventually go away once the antibiotics start working? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I am afraid to let the swelling stay, but the idea of an open wound scares me almost even more... not sure which is best? I have been having LOTS of trouble getting Machu to take his medicine... he licked it up the first day, but since then, it's been a fight. I looked at the photos on GC showing how to do it, but Machu isn't a willing participant. I've tried spiking the water and making it sweet.. nothing has been working, so I fight it out with him.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tantrum.gif" alt="" />. but I don't want to accidently scratch him while trying to get liquids into his mouth. Any other ideas? Other than being a brat, he is still acting fairly normal, eating, drinking water (non-tampered with antibiotics of course) eating treats and snuggling... but I can tell that he can't really see out of his one eye right now. I am hoping this doesn't affect his vision once we get the swelling and infection under control <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" />

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103275
05/22/06 10:21 PM
05/22/06 10:21 PM

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Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
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You go girl! Never lose hope... And dont worry, everything will be ok in the end... it always works for the better.

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103276
05/23/06 12:28 AM
05/23/06 12:28 AM

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Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
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A



An earlier post promised culture results on 5/20. What did you find? That ought to drive treatment. 8 weeks of Baytril, Clavamox, and Metronidizole is not a good thing. For 2 to 3 days in an extremely life threatening infection is one thing, but that group over a long time is not healthy. One ought to migrate off that plan as soon as possible.

Any pictures? From exactly where did this abscess arise? It would be helpful to know in which tissue that this abscess was found to be. Sinus? Facial soft tissue? Salivary glands? Gums? Periocular? It seems we get an inordinate number of these on GC. It would be helpful to know whether they were beginning. If in one of the above it may yield some answers to figuring out best treatment and prevention.

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103277
05/23/06 01:28 AM
05/23/06 01:28 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9,173
Edwardsville, Kansas 66113
Judie Offline
Serious Glideritis
Judie  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9,173
Edwardsville, Kansas 66113
Never heard of those three meds being used together. Since the culture was taken on the 17th... I would think there would have been a list of meds to treat this abcess with.

Abcess needs to be open so it can drain and thus it will need to be flushed daily so it can heal from the inside out.

Was an X-ray taken by chance? This would be helpfull as it would show wither or not the infection just involves soft tissue or wither it has spread to the bone or sinus cavities.

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103278
05/23/06 10:03 AM
05/23/06 10:03 AM

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Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
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A



Danic, with my guys, they are all easy, the little bit of antibiotic goes with applejuice and yogurt, making no more then a total of 1 cc. Pik and Zeebo on their separate occasions lap this right up. I hope your baby turns this easy!

Schlep, Piks was drawn from the soft facial tissue, seemingly from upperneck to middle cheek. The 18g needle was placed (angled back toward neck) slightly behind where you would think there two jawbones connect. It seemed as though it was squeezed mostly with pressure from the neck/behind jaw out into the cheek 'hole'. He also recieved a shot of baytril in site, and was flushed.

She looked at it under a microscope and saw many types of bacteria, common to a 'general' infection for being on only 2 or 3 doses of baytril so far. Dr T said we would look in the culture again if the swelling persists and will change medications only if a bacteria doesn't respond to it. She had the same concerns with other combos. Since this is my knowledge of it being his first time, we don't want to knock out even the good bugs, the first time.

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103279
05/23/06 10:39 AM
05/23/06 10:39 AM

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They did take an x-ray and found it was not in the jaw bone or teeth. looks like soft tissue of cheek is where the infection began and is... it's pushing up infront of his eye. She couldn't tell me what may have caused the infection to begin with, no sign of injury or anything... all she could guess was he maybe poked or scrathed the inside of his cheek and it healed over an infection, which grew. They ran an aerobic culture on 5/16 and an anaerobic culture on 5/19 when they drained his cheek for the 2nd time. I was not at this last appointment, I had to send my boyfriend. I also know the vet was out sick the last couple days. I am going to try to reach her again this morning to see what all results she has back so far. From the messages here, it also sounds like I might need to go ahead and get his cheek lanced. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worried2.gif" alt="" /> That just scares the heck out of me!!! I'll send another update later after I talk with the vet again. I will also try to get a photo of Machu's eye so you all can see what I am talking about. And I will try the yogurt option to feed the meds today! Thanks for your help guys!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thanx.gif" alt="" />

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103280
05/23/06 10:55 AM
05/23/06 10:55 AM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,788
Cleveland, Ohio
sugarglidersuz Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarglidersuz  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,788
Cleveland, Ohio
[:"green"]I agree with Judie that having it lanced and then keeping it open would be the best course of action right now. The area needs to be kept drained & flushed so that it can heal instead of brewing the infection. When my Cricky went through this a couple of years ago, his cheek actually formed a fistula (like a small drainage hole). It scared the bejeebies out of me when I saw that his face had a little opening on it. However, it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened (even the vet said so) because it allowed the abscess to stay drained. (I have attached a picture of Cricky's face, you can see the fistula just below his left eye.) Ask the doctor if she can lance it for you & show you how to keep it flushed...

Attached Files

Suz Enyedy
:bb: Carina & Coobah
Allira & Gizmo :grey:
:grey: Picasso, Trinity Joy & Luna
:rbridge: DaisyMae; Darwin; Mareki; Mambo; Pika; Cricky; Reggie & Bobo, Pepe & Bittah


Suz' Sugar Gliders
Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103281
05/23/06 11:00 AM
05/23/06 11:00 AM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,788
Cleveland, Ohio
sugarglidersuz Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarglidersuz  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,788
Cleveland, Ohio
[:"green"]Here is a second picture taken 10 days later. You can see that his face is well on the way to recovery & the fistula has started to heal over...
In Cricky's case, the culture showed that he had a strep infection that started out as a sinus infection. The culture indicated a specialized antibiotic was needed & a pharmaceutical company had to make it up especially for him... Finding out exactly what bacteria you are dealing with will help the vet determine what antibiotic is needed.

Attached Files

Suz Enyedy
:bb: Carina & Coobah
Allira & Gizmo :grey:
:grey: Picasso, Trinity Joy & Luna
:rbridge: DaisyMae; Darwin; Mareki; Mambo; Pika; Cricky; Reggie & Bobo, Pepe & Bittah


Suz' Sugar Gliders
Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103282
05/23/06 03:46 PM
05/23/06 03:46 PM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9,173
Edwardsville, Kansas 66113
Judie Offline
Serious Glideritis
Judie  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 9,173
Edwardsville, Kansas 66113
Suz, those two pictures of Cricky's swollen face and the other photo ten days later....are amazing and if not already in the Photo Gallery for Sick Gliders... they should be.

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103283
05/23/06 07:05 PM
05/23/06 07:05 PM

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Yes, Thank you for sending the pictures... it was comforting to see Cricky's eye... that is exactly what Machu's eye looks like! So I am happy to see Cricky looking sooooo much better 10 days later. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> I was feeling like this was never going to get better! I just left another message with the vet... she has been busy, but I was promised she'd call me back soon with the lab results. Good news is I just woke Machu up to see him... his eye actually looks like the swelling went down a little!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" /> I'm not sure, it kind of looks like he may have tried pushing on it himself... I don't see an open wound, but a little bit of a mark where the needle point was... hard to explain, not really very noticeable, like in Cricky's photo... but looks different than his needle mark I saw just this morning... it was a perfect pin point dot, now it's a teeny tiny line...I'm wondering if it opened a little on it's own today. Should I put any neosporin on it? or should I get something from the vet, incase it is open? I know petroleum products are not great for gliders, but I want to make sure he doesn't get anything else infected! The bad news is even though the swelling is down a tiny bit... his eye looks a little more gooey than it was before. Although it seems almost like when humans are sick... when he wakes up is when he has more junk in his eye, then after he's groomed a bit, it's less noticeable. Is there anything I can/should clean his eye with? I asked the vet about eye drops before but she said his eye looked to be doing ok... so no drops needed. I just feel like I should wipe away the gunk for him...but I don't want to irritate his eye.. let me know your thoughts on this... And - have I said Thank you to all of you yet? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thanx.gif" alt="" /> Everyone has been so helpful, and so supportive. The vet was even impressed by the information I've been getting thru GC. She said sometimes she has to deal with people getting bad info and it's hard to change their mind, but she was happy with the info I have provided, and I am hopeful now that I see the swelling has gone down, even if it's just a little... it's an improvement I think! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: Swollen Cheek! Help!! [Re: ] #103284
05/23/06 08:10 PM
05/23/06 08:10 PM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,788
Cleveland, Ohio
sugarglidersuz Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
sugarglidersuz  Offline
Glideritis Anonymous

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,788
Cleveland, Ohio
[:"green"]I am glad to hear that the swelling has gone down a bit. If the opening is more slit-like than needle-point like, it sounds like it is starting to drain on its own. This would be a very good thing. I'm glad the pictures of Cricky helped.
I would not put anything on the sore because it could clog it & prevent drainage (which would be counter-productive). In order to clean his eye, you can use a warm (almost hot), damp washcloth to gently wash away the gunk.
Thanks for the continual updates...
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />


Suz Enyedy
:bb: Carina & Coobah
Allira & Gizmo :grey:
:grey: Picasso, Trinity Joy & Luna
:rbridge: DaisyMae; Darwin; Mareki; Mambo; Pika; Cricky; Reggie & Bobo, Pepe & Bittah


Suz' Sugar Gliders
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