overgrooming or something else?

I just got this guy last Sunday his name is Zazu. He's got patches on his rear both sides of thinning or regrowing fur, I don't know which. He weighs in at 84 grams, he's between two or three years old, and has not been neutered yet. Since I've had him he has not been eating really well, about half of a tablespoon of BML and about half of the fruits and veggies (but it's only been 4 nights so far). He was on reep's and the girl i got him from wasn't keeping track of how much he ate. Here's what I know of his background. He and his cage mate produced one set of joeys, she died shortly after they were OPP. I was told that he was taking care of the joeys, they where being hand feed. So the question is does it look like regrowing fur or thinning fur?



I wish i could get some better pictures but I'm afraid this is as good as i can get.

Before i forget Zazu is going to see Dr. Antinoff tomorrow, hopefully she will have some idea.

David, good to see you here! I think it looks like thinning hair, rather than overgrooming. It's hard to tell if its on an up or down swing. Only time will tell that. Val will have a better opinion on this, she has one with a similar looking issue.

The amount of food he is eating is not alarming right now. But, it should start to increase over the next few days or weeks. Let us know waht the vet says.

for sure on the vet.

like i said i wish i could get a better pic, but I'm 100% camera illiterate, It's shame too because i have a decent camera.

I've have had some problem with overgrooming in the past and this really doesn't look like what i saw.

his weight concerns me a bit 84 grams, i would like to see atleast 15 to 20 grams more.

This is the same glider that I linked to in Nugget's thread. After talking with the previous owner, I think this might be more of a hygiene issue than an overall health issue. If that is the case, then a few months in David's care should resolve the issue.

I still dont think the vet visit is a bad idea..........................Keep us posted David, glad to see you here!!!!

Something_To_Believe_In wrote:

This is the same glider that I linked to in Nugget's thread. After talking with the previous owner, I think this might be more of a hygiene issue than an overall health issue. If that is the case, then a few months in David's care should resolve the issue.

Val yes this is the same glider. Can you explain what you mean by hygiene issue, I've never dealt with this before - or send a good link?

Cora I'm at the vets right now.

Ok I'm back from the vet and she found coccidia on a fecal exam. we're using trimeth sulfa twice a day .04 cc. Recheck to be done in two weeks. As far as the fur issue she believes that is was overgrooming due to stress. I did mention Vals theory and she said that was possible too. there is no irritated skin, so hopefully this will resolve with time.

With his background and having the parasite, I'd guess it had more to do with diet/stress/parasite issues. Did you let sugarmommy know about the coccidia- it's possible his joeys have it as well.

That "P" word david, thought we were going to avoid that this time........Hugs Man!

All I got to say Cora is at least it's not giardia :yay:

I've been in touch with sugarmommy she is going to talk to her vet.

cool................

Just a quick update, Zazu is eating well and showing no signs of sickness. He has a vet appointment for Monday, for a fecal exam to determine if we have beat the coccidia. I'll let y'all know what happens.

Awesome, is his fur growing back yet??? Thanks for the update!

Cora, no the fur is not looking any different at all.

Ok I took Zazu to Dr. Jordan this time, he did a direct and a float and didn't find any Coccidia :yay: . He said that the fur is probably barbering due to stress. He goes back on the 28th to get neutered.

It's been 22 days since the the medicine course was completed, and I've now got a negative fecal exam. Val after he gets neutered (and recovers) would you feel comfortable with him being introduced to Moxy and Spiderman?

If you wanna intro them after his neuter, go for it! I always love to see gliders in groups of 3 or more. :)

Well I'm very happy to say that Zazu is doing much better! I can hardly tell he's had any problems with his fur. His tail fur appears to be a little bit thin. I think it's safe to say he's recovered! sorry for the quality of the pictures they are from my IPhone, I haven't unpacked my camera yet.

Looking great!

Zazu DOES look great! Great job with him, David!