More vet visits. Yes, it is Dreamer again. This is the third time in less than a year. đ My poor baby has had a respiratory infection and slight prolapse â not to mention a very bruised wrist that happened because she climbed on Ilonaâs cage and Ilona was very displeased with that and attacked her. And now this.
Prefect. đŁđ¤
Dreamer has always been small for her age and underweight. She has struggled with constipation and her coat is horribly stained.
I spent hours trying to figure out what was going on. Research, emailing glider professionals and observing her. But I still had no clue.
According to my research, her staining should have been gone. I changed diets. I changed wheels. I found a good cleaning schedule. I had my male neutered. There was no reason that she should look like a neglected, abused glider.
So I took her to the vet. They checked for parasites and for an intestinal blockage â both of which would have explained things. If she had a blockage, it would make sense that she was constipated. This is the 2nd time she has been checked for a blockage. Nope. There is no reason that she should be constupated.
If she had parasites, that would contribute to the low weight and poor coat health.
She had neither. Thank God. But I needed answers. My research was exhausted, I reached dead ends and I was completely clueless and frustrated.
The vet did have a lot of good info, though. They tested her poop (pardon the lack of prettier words) and she had an overabundance pf bacteria in her gut. The vet said that she had a GI infection and gave me meds for 3 days. He also showed us the x-ray that he had taken (to check for the blockage).
He said that her bones looked okay, but that he was concerned that she wasnât getting enough calcium.
I didnât know how it was possible that she wasnât getting enough calcium because I have followed a good diet that is supposed to give gliders the correct amounts of calcium and other vitamins.
So back to the computer for more research. I had a revelation (finally) and realized that the overabundance of bacteria in her gut was sucking the calcium out of her bones. That would contribute to her small bones & weight and possibly her thin and stained coat.
For three days, twice a day, she received meds. At the end of that time I hadnât noticed much improvement. We called the vet and we extended the treatment for a few more days.
That is where I am at right now. I am also trying to figure out why she has a bald spot behind her ear. She has had it ever since I brought her home. Ink grooms her there a lot and I am not sure if he is solely doing it or if Dreamer is grooming there because of stress⌠I may try separating them for a bit and seeing if the hair will grow back.
*sighs* *wants a hug*
Also we are moving in less than two days (perfect time for Dreamer to be ill đ˘) and it will be stressful for my babies. Prayers are very appreciated: for knowledge and answers on my part, for healing for Dreamer and for a stress-free move. đ
I will update as things progress. Hopefully Dreamerâs problems will help someone else out there going through the same thing.
~ Hattush
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