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SUGAR GLIDER HOME EXAM
It is very important to check your sugar glider on the daily bases for any health problems. Even the smallest change in your glider's behavior can mean heath problems. They tend to hide their illness or pain. You can create a home exam for your glider or gliders in order to insure their health. You may not have the time to do this daily, but at least make the time to do a home exam about once a month. You can also keep a chart with you on how your glider or gliders are doing. Here are somethings you can do for your glider(s) home exam......
Coat -- The coat should be smooth with no bald spots. (The only bold spots that should appear are on the males where the scent glands are located)
Skin -- make sure that there are not cuts, skin tear or bruises. Don't forget to check the glider membranes.
Hydration -- Use your pointer finger and your thumb to pinch the back of your sugar gliders skin between the shoulder blades and let it go. If it goes back almost immediately then your glider is hydrated. That's a good thing. If the skin goes back slowly then your glider is dehydrated. This means that your glider is in need of fluids. I suggest that you take your glider to the vet if this occurs.
Feet -- The feet should be soft and pink. Check the toe nails to make sure that they are trimed. If they are not trimed then they could curl up and end up protruding into the toes causing pain to the sugar glider. When cuting the toe nails try to avoid cutting the blood vain that is in the nail. If you look closely you will see some pink inside of the nail. Do not cut that. If you do then use some styptic powder and apply it to the area that was cut too short and apply pressure. At the same time please be gentle to your glider because they are fragile. Check your sugar gliders gripping reflexes. they should use all their toes and fingers for gripping. If not then there is a problem.
Pouch -- Check the females pouch and make sure it is not sticking out. Check for any redness or discharge. Redness can be a sign of irriation along with constant licking or picking. If there is any irritation, it could lead to self mutilation.
Eyes -- The eyes should be bright and alert. They should be able to respond. Check for any white or cloudyness in the eyes. Which can be a sign of health problems. The eyes should be black and not sunk in.
Nose -- The sugar glider's nose should be moist and pink. When the glider is breathing there should be no sound. Check for any crust as it could mean health problems.
Gums and mucus membranes -- The gums and membranes should be moist and pink. Also check the teeth for any chips or discoloration. The teeth should be white.
Stool -- The stool should be solid and not runny or sticky. It shouldn't be really hard when it comes out. It should be brown with not discoloration. check for blood or any parasites. Blood or discoloration could indicate the presents of parasites. Also the bleeding could indicate internal bleeding.
Weight -- You can use a scientfic gram scale to check the weight. Your gliders should weigh from 90 to 150. If above that or below this means you are either not feeding your glider enough or you glider is getting too much.
Temp -- You should take your sugar gliders temperature several times a month to get to know your gliders normal temperature. The temperature should range from 85 to 95 degrees. You should consult your vet first to show you how to do this and what kind of thermometer to use.
Heart rate -- Put your index finger onto your sugar glider's chest and count how many times the heart beats for 1 minute. And record what you have counted. You should have counted 300 beat per minute. An easier way to do this is to count the heart beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 or count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.