Sugar gliders are very good at hiding their ailments and symptoms. If you notice a change in your sugar glider’s life or behavior, you can determine if they’re ill. There are some common sugar glider sick symptoms and how to deal with them, but you still need to see a vet if the problem is severe.
First common sugar glider illness: Constant trembling
Sugar glider sick symptoms: Sugar gliders usually shiver after waking up, but if the shaking persists in the hind legs, it may be a sign of calcium deficiency.
Coping plan: Replacing the appropriate diet and feeding a proper amount of calcium supplements can be used to adjust the calcium deficiency. It’s a good idea to consult a professional vet for specific methods.
Second common sugar glider illness: Paralysis of the hindfoot
Sugar glider sick symptoms: Weakness in the hind legs causes the sugar glider to become inactive because they can’t climb, walk normally, or tremble excessively.
Coping plan: This is caused by the long-term calcium deficiency of the sugar glider. Which must be adjusted back to a proper diet as soon as possible and given high-quality calcium supplements. It’s best to talk to a professional animal doctor.
Third common sugar glider illness: Hair removal
Sugar glider sick symptoms: It is normal for the top of the head to lose hair when the male sugar glider reaches maturity. If other parts of the sugar glider lose hair, it may be because of mites or malnutrition.
There are three reasons for sugar glider self-induced hair loss.
1. Wet dermatitis, which is bacterial dermatitis.
2. Abnormal metabolic pathways in the body cause metabolic hair loss.
3. Nutritional hair removal, which is caused by unbalanced nutrition.
Both the skin and the coat are composed of protein. The renewal and regeneration of the skin and coat will be hindered by long-term feeding of low-protein foods. The health of the skin and coat can be affected by the lack of essential fatty acids and vitamins.
If the sugar glider’s skin is red and there is a small lump on it, it can be concluded that it is moist dermatitis. If there is no above phenomenon, it is metabolic hair removal. If it does not itch, it is nutritional hair removal.
Response plan: Add vitamins to adjust to a proper diet, and supplement the sugar glider with various fruits and vegetables.
Fourth common sugar glider illness: Decreased appetite
Sugar glider sick symptoms: Sugar gliders who have stress lose their appetite because they have not yet adapted to their new surroundings. The growth of larvae in the sugar glider’s body will cause it to lose its appetite. Some reasons for lack of appetite are swollen gums and cracked teeth.
Solution: Allow the sugar glider to adjust to the new environment slowly. If the problem persists, seek deworming treatment/gingival treatment from a professional vet.
Fifth common sugar glider illness: Constipate
Sugar glider sick symptoms: During bowel movements, the sugar glider will make a hissing sound. Lack of fruit and water intake is the leading cause of constipation.
Coping plan: Feed them a teaspoon of pure apple juice daily.
Sixth common sugar glider illness: Inflammation of the urethra
Sugar glider sick symptoms: Sugar gliders can’t urinate properly, which can cause them to lose their appetite, swell/discolor their lower body, or have blood in their urine. Long-term intake of high minerals and protein is the main reason, such as feeding a lot of cat food for a long time.
Solution: Consult a professional veterinarian.
In conclusion
After reading the article, I hope you can prevent the common sugar glider illnesses from happening. I know how hard it is to watch your sugar glider get sick, but with proper care and a little luck, you will be able to keep your precious pets healthy for many years.