Sugar Glider Health Concerns Part 1

In general, a well-cared-for sugar glider is likely to live a long, healthy life. But just like any other animal, sugar gliders have health concerns that are particular to their species. Many of their ailments are the result of improper nutrition, so it is very important that you read and understand the entries on Feeding Sugar Gliders. Hygiene also plays a role in illness, so be sure to review the section on cleaning your sugar glider’s cage. Before discussing specific illnesses, syndromes or problems, let’s talk in general terms about sugar glider illness.

First of all, you need to determine if your glider is sick. Bear in mind that sugar gliders will often mask their symptoms until they are very sick. So if you see signs that your glider is ill, assume he has been ill for a while. You should seek immediate veterinary attention once you see signs of illness:

Acting strangely or sudden behavior changes
Anorexia (not eating)
Being active during the day
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Hypersensitivity to light
Coughing and/or sneezing
Red, scaly skin
Difficulty breathing
Abscesses and/or any swelling
Excessive water drinking
Not drinking water
Lethargy or listlessness
Hair loss (Alopecia)
Nasal or eye discharge
Any kind of wound
A lumpy-looking jaw or head
Dull coat
Seizure
Sleeping too much
Not sleeping at all
Unpleasant smell
Self-Mutilation
Frantically circling its cage
Other obsessive or repetitive behaviors
Vomiting
Having difficulty walking or moving around
Not using rear legs
Weight gain or loss

If a sugar glider exhibits any of the above behaviors and you have multiple sugar gliders, it is important to quarantine the affected glider until you can get it veterinary attention. You should quarantine a sick glider in a large cage, separate from your other gliders. But in an emergency you can quarantine a sick glider in an empty aquarium filled with soft bedding.

(To be continued…)

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