Treating your Sick Glider

Almost all glider owners have to deal with an ill glider at one time or another. It is stressful for us, as we tend to worry, a lot. This is a time that is also stressful for the ill glider, and his or her cagemates. Here are some guidelines that I use, that should help you with this. Please feel free to add any of your own, or to discuss.

First, just like with us, gliders need their sleep. They tend to sleep upwards of 18 hours a day, on a normal day. An ill glider will likely sleep more than this. It is important that you not disturb them throughout the day. Disturbed sleep is not restful, healing sleep. There are times when you're required to wake them, medication, for example. Try to schedule these times where at least one of the medication times is during normal waking hours for them. (Think about you, if you're woken up several times a night, are you really getting good sleep?)

Second, ill gliders have a different appetite than healthy gliders. Some are voracious, eating everything in sight, and others could care less. Either way, feed them the amounts they will eat, and then don't worry about it. It isn't going to hurt them if they miss a meal or two, so try not to stress when appetites are low. Your stress translates to the gliders. I tend to keep fresh food in the cage around the clock when my gliders are ill, just so it's there if they want it.

Third, water is very important. Gliders, like ALL animals, require a constant supply of fresh water. If you choose to offer your glider juice, offer it in a second container, and clean it daily. Juice, like food, can be a good environment for bacteria and other icky things if not kept fresh.

Fourth, medication may be required. If so, work with your vet to choose the proper medication for your gliders illness, and see if you can get it set up for one or two doses a day, rather than 3 or 4. See reason 1 for why. Also, see the sticky in this section for Stress and the Sick Glider.

Fifth, do not seperate your glider from his or her cagemates, unless absolutely necessary. This is very stressful on all gliders involved, and a cagemate that might not be ill, could become ill from the stress. Not to mention, the ill glider having a harder time getting well.

Sixth, take a deep breath, do not panic or stress. Stop, and think about how you are handling the situation. Our stress transmits very clearly to our animals. If you're scared, they're scared, if you're panicked, they are panicked. Calm, cool and collected should be your motto for this.

Last, cleaning. I suggest a modified cleaning schedule. Clean something every day, but only 1 or 2 things, rather than any big cleaning regimen while your baby is sick. This will keep germs and stress down (Note: there are some illnesses that require rigorous cleaning every day, make sure you do that!).

Please, if you have anything to add, write it out. I'm also open to discussion on any of these points.

I think that there is a good deal of plain ol' common sense that goes into treating the ill glider. And, we must remember that illness is different than injury. We are only talking about illness here.

I so often talk with people who are worked up into all sorts of anxiety because they have an ill glider. It is so important that we stay calm and that we THINK things through. This does not mean that we should overthink or be afraid to make a decision. It just means that we have to be logical in our treatment planning. Sometimes, we have to decide between two plans that are not ideal, but one will be overall better than the other. Never take your eyes off the big picture in order to focus on one tiny issue.

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Second, ill gliders have a different appetite than healthy gliders. Some are voracious, eating everything in sight, and others could care less. Either way, feed them the amounts they will eat, and then don't worry about it. It isn't going to hurt them if they miss a meal or two, so try not to stress when appetites are low. Your stress translates to the gliders. I tend to keep fresh food in the cage around the clock when my gliders are ill, just so it's there if they want it.

Remember that some medications will decrease appetite. Baytril is known for causing a marked decrease in appetite in gliders. You can provide yogurt each day while on medication. Don't force food on your sick glider. You will know when/if they are in an emergency situation in regards to food intake.

One VERY important thing to do when caring for the ill glider is to keep a very close eye on urine and feces output. Pee and poop are very important. Make sure that your glider IS peeing and pooping and make note of the smell, color, consistency of each. But, do so without disturbing sleep and without panicking.

Sick gliders worry us all. Hopefully this thread and the discussions that come from it will help to ease the stress and frustration that comes with having to nurse your sick baby back to health.

Very good posts, ladies. I would just like to add that you make sure your glider's illness has been diagnosed by a veterinarian and that you are working with your vet in forming the plan for treatment. If you are unsure about your vet's experience regarding glider illness or if your vet is unsure of the best course of treatment, etc., please have them contact another glider knowledgeable vet for assistance.