My vet would disagree. With the metacam, gliders do not metabolize it the same way as the animals it was designed for, larger placental mammals, and long term on larger animals can cause problems too. Longer than 3 days and the risk goes up exponentially. When Lyah had to be on it a little longer for her mouth, my vet gave me a list of things to look for (most of which I knew from Chronos). Animals and anti inflammatories really aren't meant for each other-it's why Advil will kill a dog or cat that eats it-I've seen them die from it-and thats basically what Metacam is. It's just one of those drugs extreme caution needs to be used with. It will also destroy the kidneys along with the liver, with that one. If you can use Torb or Butorphenol for better pain relief if inflammation is under control, don't have those side effects to worry about, can administer more often as needed, and for longer duration without damage, why play with the Metacam? It's only benefit really is the anti inflammatory effect. If that is needed, then Metacam is great, with caution...it won't help if it ends up destroying their organs and shortening their life. And watching a glider die of liver failure isn't particularly enjoyable.

I'm glad you got the collar on, and sorry you & your guy have to go thru this. Keep watch and make sure he doesn't get out of it, remove any hard toys from the cage he could fall on, and put hammocks to catch him if he does fall.

Be prepared that with the amount of damage he did, he may have to stay in that collar until he is healed, which could mean 2-3 weeks before he won't go after himself.

How are you doing on feeding and sleeping arrangements for him?

I have some hammocks for him and I've padded the bottom of his cage with fleese. I've also made a tunnel type of area for him to crawl into when he's in the cage during the day for sleeping. But really he hasn't used it cause I've had him with me basically for all but 8 hours so far since Thrus. at 4 pm. He sleeps wrapped burrito style in my shirt for most the day.

I help him eat (I've bought the feeders specifically for the collars) the watered down BML. He's very frusterated with trying to eat anything not lickable since he cant use his hands. Actually I've been worried he hasn't been getting enough. I've offered all his normal meal (BML-watered down, fruit & veggies, insects) but it seems he's only eating a small amount of fruits and veggies (fed by hand) and a small amount of the BML. Only thing he eats REALLY well is the insects and because he's only eating little of the others I've let him have his fill of mealies and waxies. Not the most balanced diet but I just want him to eat period! He's drinking his water fine out of his bottle, I make sure to bring it to him every couple hours when he's sleeping or awake.

I also help with his bowel movements. Clean him up afterwards and all. He's a messy eater so he's had his face cleaned a couple times so far, much to his dismay. Things are okay I think. I would like an easier way for him to get his fruit and veggies, and was thinking of making smoothies out of them for him. Not sure though. Could use some guidence there.

I sent you a PM Xfilefan, did you get it?

I didn't get a PM-no idea why. My inbox has about 30 left until I'm at my limit.

You can make smoothies or use babyfood. They get really frustrated without their hands-Riker did. Also, if you're concerned if he loses weight, you might want to offer some Ensure also. It'll provide his vitamis and some extra calories for while he isn't eating as much-to help keep his weight up and keep him healthy. Try sending the PM again, and I'll go double check my box.

plenty of room in there, it should be able to go thru. What seems to happen sometimes, too, is people get me and Xglider confused because of our X's-and he ends up with some of my mail on occasion.

I have a huge 18th birthday party going on for my son this weekend, so won't be on a whole lot the next couple of days. Here's my cell # if you need anything and I'm not here, too: 435-640-9438

Okay, I think the PM's have made it to you!

I am going to pick up the ensure and baby food today. I think it will be easiest while he's in this stage of it all.

His site is looking "wet" for lack of better description. Has anyone who's had a glider open up their abdomen seen this? I called the vet, Dr. Baker isn't there but the office personel are putting a call in to her to ask for me. She's made special arrangements with the staff that if I have any problems or questions to contact her IMMEDIATELY for consultaion or special visits. So still waiting for her. Its not from urine cause that area is clean, just along the stitched area.

He's doing better today with navigation! He seems to be getting around better. I've modified his cage so he cannot get higher then about 18inches up. His cage is 18 inches deep and 30 inches long. I think this is enough room for him to get around do his glider things without being able to hurt himself. But like I said, he's not usually in there, but with me. I think this will work for now.

Thanks again!!!

I'm happy to see all the progress that your making with Suggie. It looks like Jen is giving you some great information and advice.
As for the "wetness" it could be that his incision is driaing, so I would make sure that it stays as clean as you can keep it.
Your doing a fantastic job with him. Hopefully within the next week or so things will look much better.
Sending you tons of Hugs and Prayers. Don't hesitate to call if you need to.

He hates me touching the area, but I've got help to hold him. Plus with the collar on its harder for him to bite. lol. So that part is nice! I'll try and clean him up later. The Doc also agrees is probably draining. She asked if there was pus, I told her no, like clear fluid and agreed it was the healing kind. So we'll see. I'm starting a photo journal of his injury. If anyone is interested let me know.

Wow I'm so glad it's turned out okay!!!

I replied to your PM. Let me know.

And I'd be interested in pics, most definitely.

Please post pictures I would like to see them.

You are doing great and glad he is doing better.

Hugs

Okay, here they are.

November 1, 2007
Day of his neuter: Feeling "medicated" sleeping in my shirt before Ecollar
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/mini-sugars003.jpg


November 3, 2007
Tonight after cleaning the site.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/mini-sugars005.jpg

Oops, I knew about that rule, I just picked the wrong link!!! Sorry!!!

Wow that is a reality check on self mutilaion..thank you for posting these so we can all see what happens when gliders do this.
How is he doing today and can you post a few pictures every few days so we can see his recovery (not too many we do not want to stress him)

You got that right Brenda. Wow Kinue you and you little one are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Anna

The ensure and baby food with the skinny bird feeders has worked out well. I still offer the BML but water it down with the ensure. He still hates when I have to hand feed him since I do still offer solids... Poor guy just doesn't give up trying to use his hands. But his activity is great, alert and using the whole cage and getting around perfectly! Still he seems he's having trouble with seeing and hearing because of the cone shape of the collar. Like he can see/hear your if he's looking directly at you with collar pointed towards the sounds. Otherwise he just looks confused.

I'll try pics when he's sleeping. He sleeps like a rock so they shouldn't be too stressful for him. I would like to record the daily progress if it doesn't stress him. I'll let him determine how many days I get pics.

11/4/07

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-04-2007.jpg


http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-04-07.jpg

Thought I would mention too that he slipped out of his collar twice today when I was cleaning it earlier tonight. Does the molefoam pad down a bit with wear? Anyone have this happen? Lucky for me I marked the tape when I got it right and put it a little tighter a couple eighths of an inch. Im sort of sad that he naps so well with the medications because I'd like to see him try to get out like when I got it on the first time!

I wish he would wake up and make an attempt! I dont want to find out tomorrow he got it off during the night for any length of time!

Well despite getting it off twice yesterday he had it on when I got up this morning. Im not sure that he's even trying anymore to take it off. lol. He was waiting for me to wake up this morning, just watching me! When I finally opened my eye's there he was just staring at me. After I got up, he got really excited because he knows when Im awake, he's always with me!

I would think the Molefoam would get padded down a bit you did good re-adjusting it! It sounds like he is doing better and he is lovin his Momma. Your doing good and Thank you fir posting pictures as he progresses it is very helpful for everyone to see what happens with SM.

I don't know how I missed this one

Where in Florida are you? I live in Tallahassee - but will be in Melbourne over the next couple of weekends for a wedding and all the events leading up to one so I am driving from the big bend area to central east Florida quite a bit.

I had my first glider require a partial castration due to SM and another little joey who tore up his neuter incision site as well - so I have been through the e-collar life several times.

If you need any help - please feel free to ask. I do have an extra e-collar I got from Jen (Xfilefan) who is wonderful at making them. For whatever reason, the collars I make never fit as well as the ones she makes If you are still having difficulties with yours, let me know and possibly we can meet up so I can get you the collar I have and make sure it is fitting right. It is extremely important that he not be able to get out of the collar and do any more damage.

Good luck with your little one and please don't hesitate to ask for help

Oh sorry I didnt specify, he got the collar off twice while I was cleaning the site. So he was in my hands when it happened so I got it right back on him.

Im in South FL, Lake Worth (Palm Beach County) to be exact. I have three collars coming from Jen in the mail this week so I will have a few on hand and if he needs a replacement for this episode I'll be ready.

11/05/07

The skin is has a yellow tint and the vet says healing still. Still draining a little bit. She said I can bring him in at any time I feel I'd like her to take a look. She's also been calling checking on me since she hasn't heard from me yet! lol Its nice to have a decent vet.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-05.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-5.jpg

One thing comes to mind in looking at the pictures... have you been rinsing the site with sterile saline? If not, ask your vet about it. I know that I had to do that with both Gizmo & Mareki when they were SMing. In addition, due to the scabbing, fur matting, etc. the vet had me buy a Nit-Pick (for getting lice out of hair) to comb out the fur around the site after loosening it with the saline rinse. This was so that the wound would remain clean and it helped to prevent infection. Since the glider is in an e-collar, normal grooming can not occur, so I actually used the Nit-Pick on their overall coats to help keep them clean while they couldn't take care of grooming themselves.
Thanks for the continued updates on your little guy. You're doing a great job with him!!!

Its nice to have the vet call and check in on me. With everything going on this past week its easy to lose track of time. Im going to ask her today about cleaning up the site. I really feel it will help the healing process and allow the drainage to be cleaned more easily. I am rinsing the site with the sterile saline. I have been wiping the area with sterile gauze. I think the nip pick would be a big help! Thanks for the idea!

You're very welcome... other options would be a flea comb (for cats) or an eyelash/brow comb (for humans)...

Sorry to take so long to update. Had a bit of a family emergency. I've been taking pictures when I can and will include them below. He's doing alright, at weigh in last vet visit he was 112 from 104 (good amount of that is probably collar) ounces but more important, didn't lose any!

I have since gotten his SM snuggle tunnel, new collars, and more hammocks and he loves all of them except the collar lol.

I plan to make a vet appointment for early next week, he's almost done with the antibiotics and still has plenty of torb, but I wanted her to see it and make sure its looking alright.

The collar is starting to leave a little hair loss. Its not broken skin but it seems the hair thinning where the collar meets his skin. I'd like her to have a look at that too.

Anyway, here are the updated pics!!!


11-9-2007
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-9-2007.jpg

11-10-2007
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-10-2007.jpg

11-12-2007
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-12-07.jpg

11-12-2007
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-12-2007.jpg

11-15-2007
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/11-15-2007.jpg

Snuggle Tunnel courtesy of Xfilefan!!! (Thank you!)
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/sugars011.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/sugars014.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/sugars008.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x205/matchmakersmagic/Suggie%20Neuter/sugars013.jpg

Oh, and in the pics if he looks wet, its cause Im still rinsing the area.

He is looking great! I've been wondering how things were going, Thank you for the pics and update. It looks like he has made out pretty good with all the wonderful new items and toys.
I hope that everything else is alright, you mentioned something about an emergency...Praying that all is well.

Kinue, he is looking much better! Thanks for updating. Sydney had major hair loss around the collar. He is out of the collar and hair is growing back. His even got raw and the vet just gave us more antibiotics. You are doing great keep up the good work.

Anna

I can see the improvement in the progression of pictures. Thanks for posting an update for us I hope your family emergency is all taken care of now.
When Mareki was in an e-collar for an extended period due to her SMing, her neck became raw from the rubbing of the collar. The vet had me put Silver Sulfadiazine Cream (SSR) on her neck to help prevent infection there. It really helped a lot.

Just thought of another thing I did for Mareki's neck...
Each evening, I would place her wheel on my coffee table. Then I'd take her e-collar off of her and put her in the wheel. Every time she'd stop running and start trying to groom herself, I'd nudge her to start running again. When she started to get tired, then I'd hold her for awhile until she'd get antsy, then put her back in the wheel. This allowed her to get exercise (which is hard to do when wearing an e-collar) and gave her neck a rest from the collar, too

Thank you for posting picturs of Kinue. He is looking better. You are doing a good job with him and I hope he is being a good boy for you. I was thinking of you both the other day. I hope your family situation is better...