Sugar gliders are exotic creatures, so selecting a veterinarian knowledgeable about them before requiring emergency care is necessary. Experts suggest a regular checkup to know how to tell if a sugar glider is healthy.
During checkup, the veterinarian does a thorough physical examination. Along with this, they look for parasites or hazardous germs in the animal’s droppings.
Signs Of Sickness
To know if a sugar glider is healthy, you must look for signs of illnesses. The following paragraphs discuss such matters. However, healthy sugars, in general, possess these physical characteristics:
- Bright eyes
- A moist nose
- Pink nose and gums
- Having a good grasp with all four feet
- Smooth coat
- Excellent elasticity of their gliding membranes
To fully know how to tell if a sugar glider is healthy, the owner must also know the signs of an unhealthy sugar glider. They may appear depressed, inactive, and with a declining weight or loss of appetite. The following presents the indicators of a sick sugar glider:
- Watery eyes
- Lack of energy
- Red and scaly skin
- Sores
- Abnormal droppings
- Excessive shedding or bald patches
- Labored breathing
- Dragging the hind legs
Sugar gliders can quickly become dehydrated due to a lack of water or a medical issue like vomiting or diarrhea. If not addressed immediately, this can be fatal.
Moreover, dry mouth and nose, loss of energy, hollowed eyes, loose skin, uneven breathing, and seizures are all signs of dehydration. Take the animal to a veterinarian; the doctor can inject them with fluids whenever necessary.
In sugar gliders, X-ray imaging can aid in diagnosing medical issues. It is challenging to diagnose pneumonia in animals of this size without radiography. Even the sickest sugar gliders will usually endure a brief anesthetic to allow x-rays.
A Few Pro-Tips For Owners
Owners rarely administer medication to their pets. Veterinarians can guide owners on the best approach to help remedy their sugar glider.
Sugar gliders readily absorb antibiotics whenever required. Veterinarians will tell when it is necessary to take antibiotics and which ones to give based on the pet’s sickness.
However, the medicine will most likely be given as an injection. After the sugar glider has been administered with anesthesia, blood samples may be collected to aid in clinical diagnosis.
Sugar gliders are prone to malnutrition, so balanced food and supplementation are essential. Maintaining the enclosure, nest box, and food and water dishes regularly, in addition to offering fresh water and a proper diet daily, will aid in keeping the sugar glider healthy.
Giving sugar gliders soft, carbohydrate-rich diets can cause gum disease and tartar, necessitating veterinary treatment. Feeding sugar glider invertebrates with hard exoskeletons, such as crickets and mealworms will decrease tartar accumulation and other dental conditions.
In addition, dental fractures, gum disease, tooth decay, and exposed roots are possible in sugar gliders. Veterinarians may use anesthesia for a dental cleaning to eradicate tartar. Stick to the veterinarian’s diet instructions for the pet’s welfare and convenience.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell if a sugar glider is healthy will give pet owners the upper hand, particularly in situations where they are about to panic. Keep things under control with pets by staying informed.