Common Conditions
& Diseases

 

 A typical initial
consultation
- and annual examination –
should include:

 

        1) Careful analysis of all aspects of diet & husbandry

        2) Physical examination

        3) Dental check

        4) Stool floatation /smear for abnormal protozoa/parasite levels

        5) As indicated:

               a) CBC/chemistry

               b) Radiographs to assess bone density

               c) Additional diagnostic tests

         6) Direct, explicit recommendations for correction as needed; based on the most current veterinaryapproved information available.

 

Important Considerations
Prior to Diagnosis:

 

Due primarily to widespread misinformation found in lay publications and Internet websites, the vast majority of clinical presentations associated with domesticated Sugar Gliders directly stem from malnutrition and/or poor husbandry. These lay resources often obsessively promote a strict regimen of complex homemade diets and outdated husbandry practices which can result in a wide range of problems.155 156 157 158 For this reason, this text is continualy updated.

 

Sick Sugar Gliders often appear apathetic and inactive. If chilled or ill, they may present torporous behavior. Patients suffering from advanced conditions may even appear to be moribund.

 

However, when given aggressive supportive care, including:

 

           1) fluid therapy,

           2) supplemental heat and

           3) nutritional support,

 

they often improve dramatically. Treatments for many common presentations require intensive care for the first 24-48 hours. Since