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The following is intended to
be a quick reference guide to a wide range of issues
that can happen – but are not common – among Sugar
Gliders. For detailed, step-by-step answers to the most
common ailments, refer to the Day 4 Special Report: “How
do I know if my baby is sick?..”
**NOW FOR THE LEGAL DISCLAIMER STUFF ** Even though the
pros here at Pocket Pets™ have years of experience
raising tens of thousands of Gliders – we aren’t “Vets”
– and therefore cannot give out “Veterinary advice”.
Therefore, you are always encouraged to consult a local
Vet who has experience with Sugar Gliders for any urgent
health needs.
OK, Let’s Dive In!…
Sugar Glider Medical Terms A-C
Aflatoxicosis:
A hepatic (liver) disease caused by ingestion of
aflatoxins, which are toxic metabolites produced by
certain fungi in/on foods and feeds. At highest risk for
contamination are corn, peanuts, and cottonseed.
Aflatoxins are also carcinogenic (cancer causing). Sugar
gliders can contract aflatoxicosis by eating crickets
who have been fed contaminated corn, or eating peanuts.
Causes:
Ingesting contaminated corn, peanuts, or insects who
have ingested contaminated feed
Prevention:
• Do not feed your gliders insects
• Do not feed your gliders peanuts
Research:
Cornell University Animal Science Department
Signs and Symptoms:
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia
• Jaundice
• Lethargy
• Gastrointestinal dysfunction (bowel problems, diarrhea)
Treatment:
• If caught in time, aflatoxicosis is reversible
• Seek veterinary care immediately. Once a sugar glider
shows symptoms, death can occur within HOURS
Calcium Deficiency
Because many fruits, vegetables and proteins in a glider
diet have low calcium to phosphorous ratios, many
gliders experience calcium deficiency, which can lead to
HIND LEG PARALYSIS, a potentially fatal disease.
Prevention:
• Make sure they are eating their Glide-A-Mins™ every
other day as outlined in the Special Reports (link to my
baby won’t eat his food or vitamins). If they won’t lick
them off the apple, mix them into a flavor of yogurt you
already know they like – or applesauce – or peach syrup
from canned peaches… Whatever it takes to “trick” them
into getting their vitamins.
• Feed a well-balanced, nutritious diet of Glide-R-Chow™
and Glide-A-Mins™
Research:
USDA Nutrient Database: Find out calcium/phosphorous
ratios
Cat Food Complications:
The two major and potentially fatal complications
gliders experience from eating cat food are “Lumpy Jaw”
and Intestinal Blockage. Diets that are high in cat food
also lead to Calcium Deficiency, liver problems, and, in
some cases, death.
Prevention:
NEVER feed cat food
Constipation:
Constipation is passage of small amounts of hard, dry
bowel movements. It may be difficult and painful to have
a bowel movement.
Causes:
• Not enough fiber in diet
• Not enough liquids
• Use of pain medications
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Gastrointestinal dysfunction
• Poor diet overall
Prevention:
• Provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet of
Glide-R-Chow™ & Glide-A-Mins™
• Provide fresh water at all times for your gliders
• Provide enough exercise for your gliders
• Monitor glider fecal matter to insure that stools are
healthy
Signs and Symptoms:
• Straining or crying when having a bowel movement
• Decrease or lack of bowel movements
Treatment:
• Baby food prunes, and orange juice may work as a
temporary solution until veterinary assistance can be
obtained
• Small amounts of mineral oil have also been effective in
treating glider constipation
• Seek veterinary care as soon as possible
Contact Dermatitis (HUMANS):
A HUMAN condition, which is an inflammation of the skin
caused by direct contact with a foreign substance. In
this case, it would be the paws of your gliders.
Causes:
• A history of allergies
• The severity can vary with an individual over time
• The skin reacts to the gliders paws as allergens and
triggers an immune response that inflames the skin
Although there may be no initial reaction, repeated
exposure can develop sensitivity
Prevention:
• Wear long sleeves when handling your gliders if you
suspect you have an allergy
• Wash skin surfaces thoroughly after handling your
gliders
Research:
• Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia: Contact Dermatitis
• Hendrick Health System Access Med Health Information
Library: Dermatitis
Signs and Symptoms:
• A red rash limited to the area of skin that has come in
contact with glider paws
• Itching of the skin in exposed areas
• Swelling in the area that had contact with the paws
• Blisters or pimple-like rash
• Tenderness or warmth in exposed area
Treatment:
• Thoroughly wash exposed area with water to remove
irritants
• File down Glider’s nails with EZ-TRIM™ Nail Trimming
Insert
• Apply Hydrocortisone Cream to the affected area, being
careful not to over medicate
Sugar Glider Medical Terms
Continued...
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