What are the general characteristics of sugar gliders?
-unrelated to flying squirrels
-at least 7 subspecies
-females 80 to 130 g
-males 100 to 160 g
-lifespan of 6 to 12 years
What is the general (external) anatomy of sugar gliders?
-large, protruding, widely spaced eyes
-patagium extending from front to hind legs
-lengthened 4th digit on front foot
-opposable, clawless 1st digit on hind foot
-reduction of 2nd and 3rd digits on hind foot with syndactyly
-epipubic bones diminished/absent
-pouch present in females
-cloacal opening
-androgen-sensitive scent glands
-mosaic males possible
What is the digestive anatomy of sugar gliders?
-specialized lower incisors for gouging bark
-teeth DO NOT need trimming
-hard bite
-dental formula is I 3/1, C 1/0, P 3/4, M 4/4
-enlarged cecum for polysaccharide fermentation
What is the reproductive anatomy of female sugar gliders?
-2 uteri
-2 lateral vaginas
-median vagina develops temporary central canal for birthing
What is the reproductive anatomy of male sugar gliders?
-prepenile scrotum
-bifid penis
-urinate from proximal portion of penis
What are the characteristics of sugar glider metabolism?
-metabolism is around 2/3 that of eutherian animals
-must be careful with allometric drug dosing
-extrapolate from low-end of cats, ferrets, or hedgehogs
What are the normal TPR values for sugar gliders?
-cloacal temp. around 89.6
-true rectal temp. around 97.3
-HR between 200 and 300 bpm
-RR between 16 and 40 bpm
What are the characteristics of sugar glider handling?
-consider morning appointments
-transport in nest box or pouch
-do not scruff
-vocal and will bite
-can catch in bag, grasp around back of head and lift at base of tail to examine ventrum
What should be observed on sugar glider physical exam?
-oral exam; look for tartar/dental dz
-ocular exam; can use tropicamide
-skin and scent glands
-abdominal palpation
-pouch or scrotum
-cloaca
-ascult after observing
sedate or anesthetize for full PE
What are the characteristics of sugar glider venipuncture?
-need sedation or anesthesia
-can draw 1% body weight
-use 25 or 27 g needle on 1 mL syringe
-typically draw from jugular vein or cranial vena cava
-small volumes can be taken from medial tibial, saphenous, femoral, or ventral coccygeal vein
What are the characteristics of radiographs in sugar gliders?
-performed under general anesthesia
-remove young from pouch; NOT if on teat
-reflect patagium away from body wall
What are the techniques for injections in sugar gliders?
*subQ:
-dorsally
-NOT in patagium
*intramuscular:
-epaxials of neck/upper thorax
-biceps femoris
*IV:
-cephalic
-lateral saphenous
*intraosseous:
-proximal femur
-make butterfly with tape and suture in
What are the characteristics of anesthesia in sugar gliders?
-fast for 4 hours; can vomit
-balanced approach with pre-meds and inhalant
-maintain body temp. to prevent torpor; no alcohol
-consider IO catheter
-can give dextrose as needed
-gentle pressure on thorax for transient apnea
-use 1 mm Cook ET tube and stylet to intubate
Why should telazol be avoided in sugar gliders?
associated with neurologic signs and death
What are the characteristics of surgery in sugar gliders?
-use magnification
-use radiosurgery or laser to reduce trauma and blood loss
-close with intradermal pattern and/or tissue glue
-analgesia to reduce pain and self-mutilation
What are the characteristics of castration in sugar gliders?
-includes complete scrotal ablation
-newest approach involves simply lasering mid-stalk
How is sugar glider castration done without laser?
-longitudinal incision in stalk
-dissect out vas deferens and blood vessels
-clamp cords
-ligate or cauterize
-remove scrotal sac and distal stalk
-suture stalks into abdominal fascia
-close with skin glue
How is sugar glider OVH done?
-clip/prepare around pouch
-incision made paramedial to pouch
-exteriorize bladder
-ligate ovarian branch of ovarian arteries
-ligate and remove uterus above vaginal canals
-close linea
-close skin with subcuticular pattern and glue
DIFFICULT
What are the characteristics of patagium wounds?
*wounds less than 5 mm may heal on their own
-remove hair with scalpel
-clean well
*larger wounds require repair
-align layers carefully and reshape as needed
-use 4-0 or 5-0 suture
-avoid suturing too tightly; may cause animal to self-mutilate
-injury can result in contraction and decreased mobility
What are the characteristics of malnutrition in sugar gliders?
-can cause anemia, hypoproteinemia, and hypocalcemia
-hypocalcemia can lead to seizures and pathologic fractures
-can see hepatic and renal abnormalities and secondary infections if chronic
-treatment includes supportive care and correction of diet
What are the characteristics of obesity in sugar gliders?
-occurs with high fat, high protein diets and decreased exercise
-can lead to cardiovascular and hepatic disease
-treatment involves diet modification, exercise, and potentially separating from other sugar gliders
What are the characteristics of periodontal dz in sugar gliders?
-predisposed by soft, carb-rich diet
-insects with exoskeletons can deter tartar
-treatment involves scaling, antibiotics, and extractions as needed
-DO NOT trim teeth
What are the causes of enteritis in sugar gliders?
-E. coli
-Clostridium piliforme
-Giardia
-Simplicomonas
-viruses
-diet
-metabolic disease
-stress
How is enteritis diagnosed in sugar gliders?
-fecal analysis
-bacterial culture
-fecal gram stain
-CBC/chem
-radiographs
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