Disorders and Diseases of Sugar Gliders

Constipation is a sign or symptom of an underlying problem or disease, not a disease itself. Constipated sugar gliders might have small, hard droppings or no droppings at all. Constipation can be the result of:

• dehydration (not drinking enough water)

• a low-fiber diet

• poor overall nutrition

• stress

• lack of exercise

• digestive problems

• certain medications

See a veterinarian to find the cause of constipation and treat it.

Diarrhea and vomiting are also signs of an underlying problem or disease, not diseases themselves.

Sugar gliders can become infected with parasites, and parasitic infections can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. The names of some of the parasites that can infect sugar gliders are Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Trichomonas. These same parasites can also infect humans, so be careful when handling sick animals, and always wash your hands thoroughly. Keep sick animals separate from other animals, and clean cages thoroughly to prevent reinfection.

Bacterial infections, stress, and poor diet can also cause diarrhea and vomiting in sugar gliders.

A vet can run tests to determine the cause of diarrhea or vomiting and prescribe appropriate medications.

Sugar gliders sometimes fight, especially during mating periods or when new adults are introduced to the group. As a result, face and eye injuries, such as scratches on the cornea of the eye, are common. These can lead to slow-healing ulcers or conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyes). Cataracts (changes in the eye lenses) also occur and can cause blindness.

Have any eye changes in your sugar gliders checked by a veterinarian.

Sugar gliders can develop bacterial abscesses (pockets of infection) in the jaw that cause swelling, pain, and sometimes discharge of pus. Dental problems, gum injuries, surgery, and infections can all lead to jaw abscesses. "Lumpy jaw" (actinomycosis) is a particular slow-growing bacterial infection that forms hard lumps on the face or neck. Jaw abscesses can be life-threatening in sugar gliders if untreated.

If you notice lumps on the face or neck of your sugar glider, seek veterinary care. Your vet can perform tests to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.

Calcium is an essential nutrient for sugar gliders. Sometimes, sugar gliders don't have enough calcium in their blood—a condition called hypocalcemia. This usually results from an imbalance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the body.

Protein is also an essential nutrient. If sugar gliders don't get enough protein through their diet, they will have low levels of protein in their blood (a condition called hypoproteinemia) and may also develop anemia (low red blood cell count).

Long-term malnutrition weakens sugar gliders and can damage their liver and kidneys. Signs include weakness, slow responses, thinness, dehydration, pale gums, bruising, and swelling. Treatment involves correcting the diet and providing supportive care as directed by your vet.

If sugar gliders don't get the right balance of minerals in their diet, they can develop soft bones. This condition is called metabolic bone disease, or nutritional osteodystrophy. An early sign of softening bones is weakness in the back legs, which can progress to paralysis. Pneumonia, seizures, and fractures can also occur. X-rays will show bone loss. If treated early with cage rest, calcium and vitamin D₃ supplementation, and diet correction, sugar gliders can recover from this disease.

To prevent nutritional deficiencies in sugar gliders, the insects they eat can be specially treated. For example, insects can be “gut-loaded” (fed calcium-rich foods) or dusted with calcium powder before being fed to sugar gliders. Insects can also be placed in a bag with very finely ground commercial vitamin and mineral powders and shaken, which coats the insects and boosts their nutritional value.

In the wild, sugar glider nests are often infested with mites and fleas, which are parasites. However, mites and fleas are uncommon in well-kept, indoor pet gliders. If you see mites or fleas on your sugar gliders or in their cage, consult your veterinarian for safe treatment options.

Obesity (excessive weight) in sugar gliders can result from a eating a high-calorie diet and not getting enough exercise. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease and liver disease. Consult your vet about how to treat obesity in your sugar glider with dietary changes and exercise.

Pasteurellosis is infection with the bacteria Pasteurella multocida. Sugar gliders can develop pasteurellosis through contact with infected rabbits. This infection can cause pus-filled sores within the body's organs and on the skin. Pasteurellosis can be fatal and requires prompt veterinary treatment with appropriate antibiotics.

Toxoplasmosis is infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Sugar gliders can get toxoplasmosis from contact with cat poop or by eating undercooked meat that contains the parasite.

Signs of toxoplasmosis in sugar gliders include:

• loss of coordination

• tremors

• head tilt

• diarrhea

• weight loss

• weakness

• low body temperature

• breathing problems

• sudden death

This parasite can infect humans too and is especially dangerous for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Prevent toxoplasmosis in your sugar gliders by keeping them away from cat litter, feeding them only thoroughly cooked meats, and wearing gloves and washing hands when handling cat litter.

Tumors, including lymphomas (which can be fatal), occur relatively often in sugar gliders. Tumors can occur in the spleen, liver, kidney, pouch, jaw, and lymph nodes.

Some tumors can be surgically removed and treated. Others may require long-term medical management.