Thank you...

I can attest to that statement, Suz!!!!

I've just now read this post, and wanted you to know that your story sounds much like Delta's and Blinken's Story.
I never did find out who the culprit was, but once these two were separated from the group, it didn't happen again with the three that were left together.

I hope you're story ends happily, like Blinken. Vigilance and vet care are EXTREMELY important. If you have even the slightest doubt or question about the wound, call your vet and have her checked. At the SLIGHTEST hint of a new opening or a bump in a new location under her skin, take her in.

One possibility that could have caused the "walking funny" is a fall that injured her shoulder under the skin before it was slashed. It doesn't sound like nutrition would be the problem unless the male was also keeping her from eating or she was being picky.

Also, if it was agressive behavior with the male causing the open wound, maybe his neutering didn't "take". If it was done too early they may not have gotten both testicles. Was it done pom off or pom on?

It sound like you are doing everything right so far. Everyone is giving great advice.

Lindayaks... his neuter was pom-on when he was a joey, but I don't know how old he was because he was with a different owner. Darby and Diego are both 3 years old now and have never had babies. Could it be that he's still "all-male"?

I certainly hope everything turns out well with Darby, and I appreciate everyone's kind words. I've been keeping Neosporin (the non-pain killer kind) on her wound and she gets an antibiotic (Baytril) every night.

I'm not sure that she's eating her HPW out of the bird-style waterer, though. I thought I'd positioned it so that she can get to it easily, but maybe I'll just put the HPW in a shallow dish tonight.

One cute thing though... I've been hand-feeding her half-mealies (the only thing she'll take hand fed) and she crabs as soon as my hand goes in the cage. But once she has that mealie in her mouth, she crabs while she's chewing it and it's the funniest sound! "Darby, don't crab with your mouth full..."

It could be, but only a vet could tell you. Does he have a bald spot on his head? That would be an indication that he's still "all" male.




There are dishes recommended for feeding gliders in e-collars....maybe you could do a search or post another question. There are also cage recommendations so they don't hurt themselves or get hung up on something.

Val has helped me with cage setup. I found some ceramic chinese sauce dishes (if that's what they are called...) to use. They are heavy enough not to tip when she leans on it, but flat enough to allow her to reach the food without sides interfering.

As far as Diego... no obvious gland on his forehead.

It pains me to have to tell everyone that I lost my Darby this morning. She got her collar off (actually opened one of the snaps somehow and wriggled out) and chewed deep into her stomach and patagium. I took her to the vet this morning and they tried surgery to close her wounds, but I'm sorry to say that she didn't make it through. I appreciate everyone's help in this matter, and I hope that Darby's life will have been a testament to those with gliders who SM. It's a very serious, and heart-wrenching matter...
My Darby rests peacefully now without any pain...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Darby.

God Speed your little Angel.

OH AMBER!
This is heartbreaking!
I am so very, very sorry.... Please know that you did all you could. Don't hesitate to call me if you want to talk.
If you are not yet ready to send Guru on his way, you don't have to do so Friday. It can wait.

I am so sorry, Amber.
Moving this to Rainbow Memorials

Amber, I am in tears reading this. I am so terribly sorry. Know you did all you could and she knew how very much she was loved. Godspeed sweet little Darby.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Darby. She was fortunate to have experienced the love and joy that you gave to her.
Many blessings, hugs, and prayers being sent your way.

God speed sweet little one.

Oh sweetie, it was so sad to read of your loss. Sending healing prayers your way. Rest in Peace, Little Darby


Anita

Thank you everyone for your kind words... Darby will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Send thoughts and prayers for Diego who is now a lone glider until I'm able to try to group my other pair with him into a little colony of three. Even though Darby was in a separate "hospital cage", I know that he is aware that she is no longer with us, and I'm sure that he is mourning too...