How do I know if my sugar glider is in pain

Is My Sugar Glider Busy Dying? How To Know And What To Do

Sugar gliders are very good at hiding symptoms of illness until it is nearly too late and they are already on deaths door. This article aims to help you identify the signs that your sugar glider is critically ill and the best to handle the situation.

A sugar glider that is busy dying will show symptoms of being critically ill such as severe lethargy, difficulty breathing, and inappetence (among other symptoms). You should get a dying sugar glider to a vet as soon as possible. If you cannot get a dying sugar glider to the vet, you can comfort them by placing them in a dark, quiet, warm place with minimal stimulation.

Signs That Your Sugar Glider Is Critically Ill And Might Die (12 Signs)

1. Refusing To Eat

Is your glider eating less than usual or refusing to take a treat they usually wont say no to? If they are not eating well for a few days, it will result in lethargy and weight loss.

Pet Vet Tip: To read more on the different causes of inappetence in sugar gliders, have a look at this article.

2. Dehydration

Sugar gliders that are eating poorly often become dehydrated. You can check your gliders hydration with the skin tent test by gently pinching and pulling on the skin on top of your gliders shoulder blades. If the skin slides back into place within a second, they likely have normal hydration, but if the skin takes 2-3 seconds to return to normal or, worse, remains tented, your glider might be dehydrated.

It will be helpful to compare the skin tent test to other gliders in your colony and regularly check the skin tent to get a feel for what is normal for a particular sugar glider.

The skin tent test is not 100% accurate as many things can influence the skin tent. For example, overweight gliders will have a falsely decreased skin tent time. In contrast, geriatric sugar gliders will have a falsely increased skin tent despite normal hydration due to reduced skin elasticity due to aging.

Pet Vet Tip: Is it safe for sugar gliders to drink tap water? Find out here!

3. Lethargy Or Moving Slower Than Usual

This symptom is far too easy to ignore and is often easily missed. A sluggish sugar glider is almost always a major cause for concern.

4. Breathing Faster Than Usual Or Breathing With Difficulty

A change in breathing rate and effort can be a symptom of many different things, including pain, stress, or pneumonia. Any difficulty breathing (breathing with increased effort) is a significant warning sign that your sugar glider is critically ill.

5. Continuous Shivering

Sugar gliders often shiver (you can read more on the causes of shivering here), but if shivering continues for more than a few minutes, it could indicate that something major is wrong.

6. Unresponsiveness

When a sugar glider does not react to touch, they are critically ill. Sugar gliders are very good at hiding symptoms- if they reach the point of unresponsiveness, they are severely ill.

7. Uninterested In Playing And Socializing

If your sugar glider avoids leaving their pouch or avoids interaction with other gliders or a bonded human, they are likely very ill.

8. Vomiting Or Diarrhea

When a sugar glider vomits or has diarrhea, it should not be ignored. A gliders tiny can dehydrate rapidly.

9. Change in Color Of The Nose

A healthy sugar glider has a bright pink nose. If the tip of their nose is blue or purple-tinged, bright red, yellow, or pale pink/white, it indicates major disease.

10. Excessive Barking From Cage Mates

If one sugar glider in a colony is suddenly acting strange, it may cause the other sugar gliders to make an alarm. If you suspect that one of your gliders might be ill and wake up to barking gliders, it is best to go check.

11. Being Awake During The Day

If you find that one of your sugar gliders is up during the day when the other sugar gliders are sleeping, it is more often than not an indication of illness.

12. Decline In Condition, Despite Appropriate Treatment

Even the best veterinary care does not always result in a happy ending. Sometimes our best efforts will still fall short. If your sugar glider is receiving veterinary care but does not seem to respond to the treatment, you need to talk to your vet.

When treating sugar gliders, a decline despite treatment is, unfortunately, often an indicator of a poor prognosis. Either adjusting the treatment plan or ending their suffering needs to be discussed with your treating vet.

What Must I do If My Sugar Glider Might Be Busy Dying?

If you think your sugar glider is dying and you can get them to a vet within a few hours, this should always be your first option, even if you are sure they are actively dying.

This is not only for the fact that your vet will be able to help make the process of dying less painful (you can read more about euthanasia in this article), but your vet will also be able to offer options to handle the body afterward and may offer some guidance and advice as to what might have lead to the situation.

Will The Vet Be Able To Save My Sugar Glider?

If you notice any symptoms in your sugar gliders, you need to get them to a vet ASAP! Sugar gliders can deteriorate rapidly. Make sure you have the contact details of a vet who is familiar with sugar gliders before you need it.

For your vet to be able to help your sugar glider best, they will NEED to run tests. It is often tough to accurately diagnose a small exotic pet such as a sugar glider without running tests because the symptoms they present with are often very non-specific.

This is why it is a great idea to have pet insurance or at least a small emergency fund so that you will be able to get your glider urgent medical attention when he/she needs it. The outcome of an emergency will be much more favorable if we can do everything medically necessary from the get-go. This means running tests to get an accurate diagnosis, which means that you sugar gliders get the correct treatment much sooner.

Of course, even the best veterinary care might still result in the loss of a beloved sugar glider. There are hundreds of factors that determine the prognosis of treatment, and it is impossible to account for and control each one of them. If you can, you will never regret at least trying to help your glider.

How Long Does It Take For A Sugar Glider To Die?

How long it takes a sugar glider to die depends on the cause of death. Typically a sugar glider will die within a few hours of showing symptoms of being critically ill if veterinary treatment has not ensued.

How To Comfort A Dying Sugar Glider

If you cannot get your sugar glider to a vet when they are showing concerning symptoms, the best you can do is keep them in a quiet, warm, and comfortable spot. Avoid any over-stimulation, such as excessive touching, loud noises, or bright light. Keep your sugar glider as quiet as possible.

Separate your ill sugar glider from the other sugar gliders, as gliders are often not very kind to sick members of the colony. If the sugar glider in question is bonded to you, you can place the pouch close to your body to help keep them warm.

What Should I Do After My Sugar Glider Has Passed?

Do not chastise yourself if you cannot get help or feel that you did not react soon enough. We cannot know exactly when death will come knocking on a beloved pets door. Give yourself a little grace.

I go a little deeper into what exactly to do if your sugar glider has passed in this article go check it out!.

Resources

• Banks, R., 2013.Exotic small mammal care and husbandry. Hoboken: John Wiley, pp. 157 168.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119265405
• Dierenfeld, E., 2009. Feeding Behavior and Nutrition of the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps).Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 12(2), pp.209-215.
• Meredith, A. and Redrobe, S., 2002.BSAVA manual of exotic pets. 4th ed. Quedgeley: British Small Animal Veterinary Association, pp. 102 106 25.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240493099_The_BSAVA_Manual_of_Exotic_Pets_4th_edn
• Saunders, R. (2015, April). What is a sugar glider, and how do I nurse it?.InBSAVA Congress Proceedings 2015(pp. 372-373). BSAVA Library.

How Do I Know If My Sugar Glider Is Dying

How do I know if my sugar glider is dying?

If youre a sugar glider owner, you undoubtedly care deeply for your adorable furry friend. Sugar gliders are social and energetic creatures, and it can be distressing to see them unwell or exhibiting signs of decline. While its always best to consult with a qualified veterinarian to diagnose and treat any health concerns, there are some signs you can look out for that may indicate if your sugar glider is nearing the end of its life. In this article, we will explore the various signs that may suggest your sugar glider is dying and steps you can take to ensure their well-being.

Sugar Glider Lifespan

Sugar gliders typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years in captivity. However, just like humans, they can experience a decline in health as they age. Its important to be aware of their normal behaviors and be vigilant for any changes that may indicate illness or decline.

Signs of Deteriorating Health

1. Weight Loss

One of the most common indicators of a declining sugar glider is significant weight loss. As gliders age or face illness, they may lose their appetite or have difficulty eating, leading to a noticeable drop in weight. Regularly monitor your sugar gliders weight and consult a veterinarian if you observe a significant, unexplained decrease.

2. Reduced Activity Level

Sugar gliders are known for their high energy levels, and a sudden decrease in activity may be cause for concern. If your glider is no longer engaging in its usual playfulness or is spending more time sleeping, it could be a sign of deteriorating health.

3. Changes in Appearance

Pay attention to any changes in your sugar gliders physical appearance. This includes dull or discolored fur, open sores, lumps, or growths. These changes may indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed promptly.

4. Respiratory Issues

If you notice your sugar glider struggling to breathe or making wheezing sounds, it could be a sign of respiratory distress. Respiratory issues in sugar gliders can be serious and should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

5. Loss of Coordination

Loss of coordination or difficulty in movement can be indicative of neurological issues or muscle weakness. If your sugar glider is having trouble climbing or walking, its essential to seek veterinary attention.

6. Lack of Interest in Food and Water

Sugar gliders typically have healthy appetites, so a sudden lack of interest in food and water is a worrying sign. Monitor your gliders eating and drinking habits closely, as a decline in these areas can indicate underlying health problems.

Quality of Life Considerations

Determining the quality of life for a sugar glider can be subjective, but its an important factor to consider when assessing their well-being. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is the glider in pain?

If your sugar glider is in constant pain or discomfort and medications or treatment options are limited, it may be worth considering their quality of life.

2. Can the glider still engage in natural behaviors?

Sugar gliders are highly active and social creatures. If their health deteriorates to the point where they can no longer engage in their natural behaviors, it may be a sign that their quality of life has significantly diminished.

3. Is the glider still able to interact with its owners?

If your sugar glider is no longer interested in interacting with you or shows signs of depression, it can indicate that they are not enjoying a good quality of life.

Seeking Veterinary Care

If you observe any of the warning signs mentioned earlier or have concerns about your sugar gliders health, its crucial to seek veterinary care promptly. A qualified exotic animal veterinarian will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, prescribe appropriate treatment, and offer guidance on how to best support your gliders well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What is the average lifespan of a sugar glider?

In captivity, sugar gliders typically live for 10 to 15 years. However, some gliders may live longer with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.

2.Can sugar gliders die from stress?

Yes, sugar gliders can be susceptible to stress-related health issues, which can ultimately lead to their death. Its important to create a stress-free environment for them and handle them properly to prevent unnecessary stress.

3.Can sugar gliders die from loneliness?

Sugar gliders are social creatures that thrive in the company of other gliders. While they can survive alone, their quality of life may suffer, leading to stress-related health issues if they dont have companionship.

4.How can I provide the best care for my sugar glider?

To provide the best care for your sugar glider, make sure they have a proper diet, a sizeable cage that allows for physical activity, mental stimulation, and regular veterinary check-ups. Its also important to provide them with social interaction, either through bonding with their human caregiver or by having a companion glider.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a sugar glider involves being attuned to their overall well-being and recognizing when they may be in distress. If you suspect that your sugar glider is dying, its important to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals. By monitoring their health, seeking veterinary care, and providing a safe and stimulating environment, you can ensure the best possible quality of life for your beloved sugar glider.