I have two gliders - one who I've had 8 1/2 years and is 9 yrs old and a 4? Yr old who I've only had a few months. My older guy had a prolapsed rectum a few months ago so I've been very careful to check him ever since. He's totally healed and is perfectly fine now.

My younger guy, being a rescue and on his third home, has not warmed up to me. This doesn't bother me because, barring some initial aggression, the boys get along fine and I'd rather gradually gain his trust instead of forcing it.

Well, now I'm seriously regretting it because I didn't notice he had some kind of issue near his cloaca until last night. I tried to get him in to my vet but he's out of town until the 12th and my back up vet can't get me in until the morning on an emergency basis. I'm at work until 4 am and freaking out. He's still eating but i'm extremely worried that he has hurt himself too badly and I'm kicking myself for not catching it sooner. I'm usually all over that, especially after losing a glider to cancer years ago.

I'm hoping he'll be all right but I know cloacal issues are the most lethal and I feel as though I've failed him so badly. Have any of you had a glider hurt themselves in the cloaca and survive? I have no idea what happened and I'm hoping that he'll be able to get treated successfully. I know surgery, antibiotics, pain meds, and e-collar are what I'm crossing my fingers for.

I haven't even gotten to know his little personality yet.

Welcome to Glider Central!

I'm sorry your new little fella already has issues. I haven't experienced this, but have you checked our vet database to see if there may be another vet to take him too? Just click on the blue word vet and it will take you there.

I just wanted to say Hi...

Please keep us posted, and I'm sure someone will answer your questions soon...

Well, he looks like he'll be okay. Woke him up to see the vet and I was greeted with two very bright pairs of eyes (always a good sign!). He is def mutilating but the damage wasn't nearly as bad as I feared. He's getting a parasite check right now as I type this. He's getting his e collar fitted and will be on abx, pain meds, and a drug to help him with the stress. ❤❤❤ the damage to his cloaca wasn't as bad as I feared so he won't need surgery just yet. Only if it doesn't get better.

Well, he hasn't gouged holes in himself. His fecal exam came back negative. I'm setting him up in a small cage next to my big one so he'll be near his buddy while in "quarantine". His oh so angry face about the e collar just about made me melt. If a glider could shoot lasers from his eyes you know he would!

Long story short, he's going to be JUST FINE!!!! YAY!!!! He gets to wear his flower for a month and will be on three different meds (one abx, one anti-inflammatory, and one to reduce stress).

:D

Too true! Little laser eyes.

It's good you could get him in so soon and that it looks like he will be just fine with some TLC and of course some extra mealies and/or yogies.

That is awesome!!!

I am so happy for you both!

PThank you for the update and please keep us posted on his progress.

Prayers that he recovers quickly so he can join his new buddy soon!

You should have him checked for a UTI as that will make them mutilate their cloaca if they are having a lot of pain.

Plus you may want to contact Denise Rainwaters about getting an e-jacket, at least then he can feed himself with out the cone of shame.

Here phone number is in her profile: Minkasmom

Please keep us posted on your little ones progress.

I need to do something because he's having such a hard time with his cone. I'll give her a call for one of the e jackets!

Quick update - he's doing better today (barring his movement and feeding abilities being hampered by the cone). The swelling in his cloacal area is down and he's looking much better already. He's having trouble eating because he can't hold his food so i called my vet for an alternative.

I've had gliders for going on 15 years now and this is my first one to hurt himself. I'm glad he didn't do worse damage. I firmly believe in having multiple vets in your stable and it sure paid off this time since my primary is lut of town.

Sad news today. Monkey took a turn for the worse and passed away this morning at the vet. We don't know why but his lungs were crackling like pneumonia. We're sending him for a necropsy to see if we can get some andwers.

I'm so sorry for your loss!!

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

Glide Free Little Monkey

So sorry for your loss. Glide free over the bridge.

Thank you for the update. We would like to know what necropsy had to say once it comes back.

Oh no, I'm so sorry you lost your little Monkey . I was truly hoping he'd make a full recovery. I wish you the best during this hard time. hugs to you.