In Reply to: Teeth Floating IS NOT recommended for gliders. posted by Bourbon on June 22, 2000 at 04:06:50:

Bourbon -

I agree. In fact, I think this vet should be shot IMHO. Although I've never heard of it referred to as "floating", I've had to do it myself on a number of occasions with rabbits.

*Rodents* (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, etc...) are supposed to have teeth placed in such a way that the uppers and lowers match up and wear each other down because they grow continually. Having a hard object to chew on helps also. If these teeth are not placed properly, or the animal has nothing to chew on, the teeth are not worn down and will curl under in a complete circle or a corkscrew type formation, preventing an animal from eating properly. If left to grow, these teeth can grow into the roofs of their mouth and gums, causing infection and the animal will basically starve to death. They will need to be clipped off on a regular basis to keep the teeth short so the animal can eat comfortably.

BUTT......Sugar gliders are *NOT* rodents though. Their teeth DON'T grow continually and clipping them puts the glider through unnecessary pain and stress. I must have missed the original post, but to whomever it was: This vet just wanted to take your money, and I would find another vet.

KK

: just because one vet thinks it will cure a problem, doesn't mean anything..
: DO NOT DO THIS.. it is cruel, and totally unnecessary
: gliders teeth do not continue to grow, so when cut, they will not grow back..it is NOT a cure for biting.. trust is. LOVE patience and understanding..
: Maybe for those kids that talk too much we should consult with a reptile doctor and have their tongues cut off.. as stupid as this sounds, so is floating a gliders teeth.

: Missy, dear, Teeth floating is not a recommended procedure for sugar gliders,
: 1. they use their teeth to piece tree branches, so they can get the sap out.
: 2. If you teaching them to trust you is too much trouble, then maybe you should rethink owning one. If anyone knows about biters I do, and the simple act of cutting their teeth DOES NOT work. They do not bite because their teeth is long, they bite GENERALLY because they are afraid.
: 3. your vet must think these guys are horse, donkeys or mules. they are not.
: 4. teeth floating in gliders is used for very rare instances where the gliders teeth continue to grow, as I said this is very rare.
: 5. I would like the name and number of your vet in private email if need be, obviously I need to know where he got his info at, that this is a proper procedure for gliders..

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