Sick glider??

Question
I have a 5 year old female glider that has been lathargic and disengaged for about a month.  Three weeks ago I took her to the Vet and he gave her amoxi drops thinkin' she had an upset stomach. She seemed to perk up, but with the med's she started becoming obsessed with licking the metal in the cage or any kind of metal.  It has been two weeks and she has since stopped that, but now she is becoming disengaged again and not doing much.  She didnt even come out of her cage last night and didnt eat much.  She did eat some yogurt I offered her though.  She is grooming and her fur looks good, just looks like she has lost some weight compared to my other girl.  I have another Vet visit scheduled for Friday, but are there any questions or comments I should ask the Vet specifically?  I decided to find another Vet since the first didn't really run any tests.  I just dont know what to do.  Is there anything I can do in the meantime?  Oh, by the way, the only thing I can think of contributing to her getting sick is that she had started getting under the stove for some reason.  So when I pulled it out I found some old cat/dog food from a prior restident in my apartment and saw dust from I guess when they built the apartments.  Go fiurge!!  Do you think this could be a contributing factor.  I fixed the stove problem and she can no longer get under there, I had no idea she could even fit!  Thanks in advance for and advice!
Pamela in Texas

Answer
Dear Pamela:

I am sorry your little one is sick.  First of all, I want to say that I am not a vet and cannot replace your vet visit.  The good thing is that she is still around.  Usually, when gliders crash, they go quickly, so it is a good sign that she is still here. When you write she is "disengaged" do you mean she is not responsive to you and won't engage in play or do you mean she is lethargic?

I would agree that she could have gotten a hold of something toxic under the stove that could be a contributing factor.  Aside from the old food that was there, previous owners may have put down chemical bug or rodent killer.

When you visit the vet, tell him about the metal licking.  Make sure they do a full exam to check for dehydration, weight, eyes, nose, teeth.  Also make sure he performs a fecal float to check for parasites.  If they can draw blood, have them run tests for toxins, infection, kidney and liver functions.  

I would also like to caution you to never let your glider roam the house unsupervised.  There are so many dangers they can find.  I would only allow her to play in a small supervised area (i.e. a small bedroom that has been glider-proofed or a bathroom that is clean, free of anything that could impale her and close the lid and towel rolled up on the floor blocking the door.  And even here she should have your complete attention.  She should not have access to the entire house where there are many hazards (i.e. electrical cords and outlets, possible toxic woods and plants to chew on, sharp items to land on, seat cushions to hide under until someone sits on it and more).  Another option might be to get a small 2-person tent for her play time.  

Best of luck with your little girl.

Laurie