Routine Health Care of Sugar Gliders

The sugar glider’s overall appearance and behavior should be watched for signs of illness. Generally, sugar gliders should have bright eyes, a moist nose, pink nose and gums, the ability to grip with all 4 feet, a smooth coat, and good elasticity of their gliding membranes.

Signs of illness are similar to those in other animals and include depression, inactivity, and loss of appetite or weight. Other signs that your sugar glider is not well may include watery eyes, lack of energy, red and scaly skin, sores, abnormal droppings, excessive shedding or bald patches, labored breathing, and dragging the hind legs. If you notice any of these signs, you should bring your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Sugar gliders can very quickly pass the point of recovery if they do not receive prompt medical attention.

Sugar gliders can easily become dehydrated either from a lack of drinking water or a medical condition such as vomiting or diarrhea. This can be deadly if not addressed promptly. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and nose, lack of energy, sunken eyes, loose skin (the skin on the back will stay up after it is gently pinched), abnormal breathing, and seizures. Take the animal to a veterinarian; if needed, the veterinarian can administer fluids by injection.

X-ray images can help diagnose medical problems in sugar gliders. It is particularly difficult to detect pneumonia in animals of this size without taking x-rays. Even extremely ill sugar gliders will generally tolerate short anesthesia to allow x-rays to be obtained.

It is uncommon for owners to administer medication. If necessary, your veterinarian can advise you on the best way of giving medication to your sugar glider.

When needed, antibiotics are well tolerated by sugar gliders. Your veterinarian will be able to determine when antibiotics are necessary and will choose one based on your pet’s particular illness. Injections of drugs may be administered by veterinarians, or you may be sent home with liquid medications to administer by mouth. To help in making clinical diagnoses, blood samples may be taken from the sugar glider after being given an anesthetic.

Malnutrition is common in sugar gliders; therefore, a proper diet and supplementation ( see Diet) are very important. In addition to providing fresh water and a proper diet daily, regularly cleaning the enclosure, nest box, and the food and water dishes will help keep your sugar glider healthy. Fresh fruit and vegetables should be promptly removed from the cage if not eaten within a few hours.

Sugar gliders can be infected by common bacteria including Pasteurella multocida, staphylococci, streptococci, mycobacteria, and clostridia. Several microorganisms that can be transmitted to and cause illness in humans also affect sugar gliders, including Salmonella, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Leptospira, and Toxoplasma species. It is therefore very important to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning your pet’s enclosure and items within its cage or after handling the sugar glider itself.

Feeding sugar gliders soft, carbohydrate-rich diets can lead to gum disease and tartar that may require treatment by a veterinarian. Tartar buildup can be reduced if you include insects with hard exoskeletons, such as crickets and mealworms, in the sugar glider’s diet.

Dental disease is common in sugar gliders and includes tooth fractures, gum disease, tooth decay, exposed roots, and tooth root abscesses. Dental cleaning to remove tartar may require anesthesia. Tooth root abscesses require surgical removal and treatment with appropriate antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian’s diet recommendations for the comfort and health of your pet.