Posted By: Jackie_Chans_Mom
5 years with Jackie Chan - 01/27/12 02:03 AM
In some ways, it feels like just yesterday that I picked up this cute, cuddly little sugar glider with a broken back. Then there are other times that I feel that we have walked a lifetime together. One thing is for sure – my life has never been the same since I met Jackie Chan.
For those unfamiliar with his story, you can read more here:http://www.glidercentral.net/ubbthreads/...ter#Post1037257
Another year has passed since I last updated about Jackie. What a year it has been! Jackie Chan still lives with Daiquiri and still amazes me with his agility and zest for life. He has a new-found love for trying to tail carry, which is sometimes sad because he is both paralyzed and has no tail, but it has allowed me to help him carry a bounty of things to his pouch and build a nest for his lady love and is a reminder to me that HE does not think he is disabled in any way. He has had some follow up x-rays and has made an appearance at Dr. Walsh’s office to help teach some veterinary students from OSU. He continues to overgroom his head repeatedly (anxiety). In addition, He has tried out both the glider treadmill and a monkey cliner for the first time. He loves his cliners!
After about 3 years of no emergency visits, my stomach dropped shortly before Christmas when I found Jackie with a swollen face. My first thought was that it was an abscess, and I have dealt with many abscesses, so no big deal. My biggest concern was that, for the first time in his life, Jackie Chan was ACTING sick. No other issue that he has faced has ever slowed him down, but with this, he was lethargic, not eating well and all around grumpy. I was a worried momma! I got Jackie to Dr. Walsh and was surprised and saddened to hear that it was NOT an abscess.
This is not the worst he looked, but it gives you some idea. These photos were after 5 days of treatment.
Jackie Chan had developed osteomyelitis (an infection in the bone) of his cheek bone. It was advanced such that the infection had eroded a portion of his cheek bone and his entire head was swelling. Osteomyelitis is serious and is difficult to treat in sugar gliders. I have treated it only once before. Once again, Dr. Walsh saves the day by problem solving the issue and introducing another medication into our repertoire for use in unusual situations. Jackie Chan was treated with injections (which he could not feel) for 12 days and recovered WONDERFULLY!
Here he is 9 days into his treatment
Today, Jackie is back to acting like his normal, adventurous, loving, energetic self. We are looking forward to another year of learning and loving together !
Here is my little guy in action throughout the year
For those unfamiliar with his story, you can read more here:http://www.glidercentral.net/ubbthreads/...ter#Post1037257
Another year has passed since I last updated about Jackie. What a year it has been! Jackie Chan still lives with Daiquiri and still amazes me with his agility and zest for life. He has a new-found love for trying to tail carry, which is sometimes sad because he is both paralyzed and has no tail, but it has allowed me to help him carry a bounty of things to his pouch and build a nest for his lady love and is a reminder to me that HE does not think he is disabled in any way. He has had some follow up x-rays and has made an appearance at Dr. Walsh’s office to help teach some veterinary students from OSU. He continues to overgroom his head repeatedly (anxiety). In addition, He has tried out both the glider treadmill and a monkey cliner for the first time. He loves his cliners!
After about 3 years of no emergency visits, my stomach dropped shortly before Christmas when I found Jackie with a swollen face. My first thought was that it was an abscess, and I have dealt with many abscesses, so no big deal. My biggest concern was that, for the first time in his life, Jackie Chan was ACTING sick. No other issue that he has faced has ever slowed him down, but with this, he was lethargic, not eating well and all around grumpy. I was a worried momma! I got Jackie to Dr. Walsh and was surprised and saddened to hear that it was NOT an abscess.
This is not the worst he looked, but it gives you some idea. These photos were after 5 days of treatment.
Jackie Chan had developed osteomyelitis (an infection in the bone) of his cheek bone. It was advanced such that the infection had eroded a portion of his cheek bone and his entire head was swelling. Osteomyelitis is serious and is difficult to treat in sugar gliders. I have treated it only once before. Once again, Dr. Walsh saves the day by problem solving the issue and introducing another medication into our repertoire for use in unusual situations. Jackie Chan was treated with injections (which he could not feel) for 12 days and recovered WONDERFULLY!
Here he is 9 days into his treatment
Today, Jackie is back to acting like his normal, adventurous, loving, energetic self. We are looking forward to another year of learning and loving together !
Here is my little guy in action throughout the year
I hope I get to meet this cutie one day 
