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Exotic DVM 11 3 Complete
Exotic DVM 11 3 Complete
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EXOTIC
A P R A C T I C A L R E S O U R C E F O R
DVM
VOLUME 11
ISSUE 3
C L I N I C I A N S
contents Cover photo: Susan Orosz, PhD, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), Dipl ECZM (Avian)
Departments
3 Special Report: Exotic DVM of the Year
4 Exotic DVM News
43 E Call for Papers
44 For Your Bookshelf
www.asgv.org
47 em Exotic Marketplace
32 48 Tools
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EXOTIC
ANIMAL
CARE
W H AT E V E R Y V E T E R I N A R I A N N E E D S T O K N O W A B O U T
Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps), Table 1. Vital Statistics
also known as sugar bears, are small Physiological
marsupials similar in appearance to Life span 12-15 years
David M. Brust, DVM small flying squirrels that are native to Head/body length 13-19 cm (5.0-7.5 in)
Sugarland Pet Hospital Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea. Weight Male 113-170 g (4-6 oz)
Sugar Land, Texas They were first brought to the United Female85-142 g (3-5 oz)
drdave@asgv.org States in 1993 and have rapidly grown Heart rate 200-300 beats/minute
in popularity as companion pets. Most Respiratory rate 16-40 breaths/minute
David Brust received his DVM degree Food consumption 15-20% BWt
domestic sugar gliders in U.S. are the
from Texas A&M University in 1984 Base metabolic rate 2.54 W/kg
smaller New Guinean subspecies.
and has been a practicing exotic Avg. basal 46.2 kJ/d
Although they are legal companion
animal veterinarian since that time. He metabolism (130 g animal)
is a past president of the West pets in 46 of the contiguous states
Avg. active 84-126 kJ/d
Houston Veterinary Medical Association (with the exception of California and metabolism
and host of the radio talk show, “Ask Pennsylvania), breeding and sales are Cloacal temperature 89.6°F (32°C)
the Vet.” He is the current president strictly regulated by the USDA. Rectal temperature 97.3°F +/- 0.7°F
of the Association of Sugar Glider (36.3°C)
Veterinarians,™ www.asgv.org. Dr. Brust Suitability as Pets Thermoneutral zone 75-88°F (24-31°C)
is the author of “Sugar Gliders: A Young sugar gliders are best human- Reproductive
Complete Veterinary Care Guide,” socialized between 8 and 12 weeks out Breeding cycle Year round in captivity
and has filmed over 30 educational of the pouch. The bonding process may Estrous cycle Polyestrous - 29 days
documentaries for the public regarding Gestation 5-17 days, after migra-
take several weeks to complete.
proper sugar glider care and husbandry. tion, fetus will remain
Human socializing for taming and in pouch 50-75 days.
handling may be difficult in sexually Litters per year 1-2
All photos courtesy of ASGV™ and
www.asgv.org. mature adults who were not socialized Incidence of Twins 80% of the time;
as youngsters. multiple births triplets are documented
Sugar gliders are colony animals, Weaning 35-60 days out of
therefore it is strongly recommended pouch
*Adapted from Brust DM: Sugar Gliders: A Complete Veterinary Care Guide.
Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians,™ 2009, www.asgv.org
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One of the most distinguishing features about A sugar glider’s nails may become sharp. Nails While the patagium is similar in appearance
sugar gliders is that they have 4 hands. Each may be filed but not clipped; clipping nails may to that of a flying squirrel, sugar gliders
hand has 4 fingers and an opposable thumb. reduce the animal’s ability to firmly grasp its exhibit muscular control over it and can steer
surroundings, allowing it to fall. themselves to their target.
Males have 2 scent glands—a diamond-shaped “bald spot” on the forehead and a smaller Males have a bifurcated penis with a preputial
sternal spot in the center of the chest. Females do not have either of these characteristics. covering; the scrotum is anterior to the cloaca.
they should be housed in groups of their name, coming on command. • Sugar gliders exhibit exceptional
two or more whenever possible. If With training, they will ride around in muscular control over the gliding
housed alone, owners must be the owner's pocket for hours without membrane (patagium), allowing the
advised to spend a minimum of 2 restraint. animal to glide up to 50 m.
hours per day interacting with the Common vocalizations include • The semi-prehensile tail is primarily
animal to provide necessary compan- “crabbing” (when frightened), barking used for steering when gliding.
ionship and prevent malaise. Sugar (lonely or playing), purring/chirping
gliders may self-mutilate if not given (contentment) and sneezing/hissing Sexing
enough social stimulation. (grooming or playing). Males have a large pendulous scrotum
Aggression is rare in well-acclimated and a bifurcated penis. Prominent
Behavior animals and is typically limited to scent glands are visible on the fore-
Although nocturnal by nature, sugar young joeys or unsocialized adults. head and chest. Females exhibit a
gliders are able to adjust to any When threatened, a sugar glider will ventral pouch (marsupium) with 4
schedule that allows maximum stand on its back legs and charge at the internal teats.
interaction with their owners. They threat, feigning strikes and making
enjoy playing outside their enclosure; loud sounds similar to a locust. Growth of Joey
however, careful supervision is A study of the offspring from 30
strongly recommended to prevent Physiological Characteristics breeding pairs was conducted to
encounters with common household • Each of the 4 hands possesses sharp, observe and record the developmental
hazards, such as floor or halogen scimitar-like claws and opposable weight and characteristics of young
lamps, metal venetian blinds and thumbs. sugar gliders over the first 8 weeks out
houseplants. • Teeth do not continually grow like of the pouch. The study concluded that
When properly trained, they may rodents and should not be routinely certain developmental markers were
exhibit behavior similar to many dogs, trimmed unless presenting serious more reliable than size and weight in
e.g., expressing affection, recognizing issues. estimating the age of joeys (Table 1).
Female sugar gliders have a prominent, mid- Females have four teats. Female sugar gliders have 2 uteri and 2
abdominal pouch (marsupium) where they elongated lateral vaginae that open into a
carry their young. single cul-de-sac divided by a septum.
WEEK 2
12-22 g body weight;
very fine fur, eyes
closed
WEEK 4
18-35 g body weight;
fur-becoming more
prominent; tail starting
to fluff out; animal
becoming weaned
WEEK 8
23-75 g body weight;
self-sufficient; very
active at night
Normal internal organ placement.
Dietary Recommendations presented with a wide selection of may be adequately designed, they are
high-sugar, high-fat items as they will rarely practical for the average owner
Free-ranging sugar gliders’ diet
almost always eat these foods to the because it is often more difficult for
consists primarily of pollens, arthro-
exclusion of other more nutritious them to secure necessary ingredients
pods and plant and insect exudates; foods. Inappropriate feeding practices and maintain precise feeding ratios.
however, their diets can vary greatly and inadequate homemade diets are Fresh portions should be fed in the
by season, location and climate believed to be a substantial contribut- evening. Preservatives, pesticides and
conditions. Attempts to replicate this ing factor to many illnesses seen by excessive fat should be avoided in the
type of diet for domesticated animals practitioners and reduces the animal’s diet. Acceptable treats include small
may be impractical in non-clinical life span. portions of fruit (e.g., melons, peaches,
settings. Sugar gliders should not be Although some homemade diets mangos, blueberries, papaya), yogurt
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and applesauce. Owners should be Housing Recommendations babies or juveniles younger than 5
cautioned against feeding fatty, months out of the pouch is: 18-20
The recommended enclosure size for 1
nutrient-deficient insects as treats inches (46-51 cm) wide and deep and
or 2 adult animals over 5 months of
because sugar gliders will often hold age is: 36 inches (91 cm) wide by 24 24-30 inches (61-76 cm) high.
out and refuse to eat anything else inches (61 cm) deep by 40 inches (102 PVC-coated wire is preferred over
once they become accustomed to cm) high. Large aviary cages are the epoxy, paint, powder-coated or
insects. Treats should be no more than most practical option for adult sugar galvanized wire due to potential
5% of daily intake. Filtered spring or gliders. Additional height is the health and safety hazards. Rectangular
drinking water (not unfiltered tap primary consideration. openings should be no larger than ½"
water) should be available at all times. The ideal enclosure size for 1-2 x 1" (1.25-2.5 cm). Enclosures consist-
Due to an instinctual fear of falling, sugar A smaller, “starter” cage is more conducive A nesting cloth, loosely draped over a heat
gliders will become significantly less active to the well-being of joeys under 5 months rock is recommended rather than traditional
when they cannot firmly grasp their out of pouch. The ideal cage size for 1-2 nesting boxes or hanging pouches, as a
surroundings. joeys is 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) deep x sleeping area, especially for young joeys. This
24-30 inches (61-76 cm) high. combination reduces stress on the glider and
promotes the bonding process with owners.
ing primarily of vertical bars (e.g., bird Food and water bowls and food Grooming
cages) are not recommended for items may be placed inside an
Bathing is not required. Sugar gliders
babies or juveniles, as soft tissue tears enclosed dining area to avoid contami-
will routinely groom themselves and
may develop between the digits from nation and unnecessary waste. The each other. Effective topical sprays
sliding down the bars. use of both a conventional water and waste tray additives are commer-
A removable plastic waste tray bottle and a weighted secondary cially available.
should be at least 1" (2.5 cm) from the water dish is recommended.
floor of the enclosure. Paper lining is Restraint
preferred over wood shavings. Daily Environmental Enrichment Manual restraint is best accomplished
removal of feces and soiled papers
Sugar gliders enjoy most traditional using either a surgical huck towel or
and general cleaning of an enclosure
pet toys. Any item with loose strings fleece bonding pouch as a glove.
and all supplies are recommended as
or wires that could entangle the These animals should not be scruffed
well as a quarterly sterilization of the
animal should be avoided. Solid or held by the tail. Sugar gliders can
housing and accessories.
exercise wheels provide an important be transported to the clinic in a
Important considerations for zippered, fleece pouch.
opportunity for necessary exercise.
placement of the enclosure in the
Traditional hamster or rodent wheels
home include environmental tempera-
should be avoided due to hazards Sedation
ture, noise levels, odor, lighting and
associated with the prehensile tail. Sedation is usually required for a
the social nature of the animal.
Rope and/or wooden toys should be clinical examination or diagnostic
The ideal temperature range in the sampling. Isoflurane may be used at
replaced every 3-4 months.
home for a healthy animal is 75-80°F 5% for induction, using a large face
Plants and branches are recom-
(24-27°C). Nighttime temperature mask as an induction chamber, and
mended to promote leaping and
should not drop below 70°F (21°C). 1-3% for maintenance with a small
climbing. Quality artificial plants are
The use of a supplemental heat source face mask. A non-rebreathing circuit
is strongly recommended. A conven- preferred to natural fauna due to
should be used for both induction and
tional heat rock is preferable to a heat health and sanitary considerations.
maintenance. If isoflurane is used for
lamp or UV lighting, especially during Varied sizes of branches of nontoxic
induction, application of a topical
the bonding period, as it allows the trees can be used (for a list of safe methylcellulose eye lubricant should
animal to efficiently self-thermoregu- plants go to www.asgv.org). These be used. Alternatively, sugar gliders
late throughout the day regardless of should be removed and cleaned every may be sedated first with administra-
temperature variations. Alternatively, 2-3 weeks and must be thoroughly tion of an anxiolytic, such as midazo-
ceramic heat emitters positioned with rinsed. A preferable alternative to lam (0.3-0.5 mg/kg IM). The use of an
a linen towel or surgical huck towel foliage is 1-inch plastic chain, available electrocardiogram (ECG) may be use-
can be used for regulating the heat. at home improvement centers. ful to help monitor the animal if it is
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Solid-construction (not wire mesh) exercise The least stressful method of sedation is Once induced, 1-3% isoflurane is delivered
wheels provide a good source of environmen- achieved by using a large face mask as an for maintenance using either a small face
tal enrichment and exercise for sugar gliders. induction chamber while 5% isoflurane is mask or 1 mm Cook endotracheal tube.
inhaled.
anesthetized longer than 5-10 minutes. • Other diagnostics The cranial vena cava may be
Fluid therapy is required to maintain - CBC/chemistry tests accessed at the thoracic inlet by
homeostasis. - Radiographs to assess bone density directing the needle caudally at 30° off
• Males should be neutered whenever midline toward the contralateral hind
Veterinary Visits possible to avoid anti-social behav- limb. To avoid inadvertent cardiac
The initial consultation and annual iors and self-mutilation. puncture, insert the needle halfway of
examination should include: its length as the vessel is superficial in
• Careful analysis of all aspects of the Blood Collection location. (View instructional collection
diet and husbandry (directly related Only small volumes of blood may videos at www.asgv.org.) With prac-
to most clinical presentations) safely be drawn, up to a maximum of tice, blood collection at this site is
• Physical examination 1% of the animal’s body weight in usually the most successful regardless
• Stool flotation/smear for abnormal grams. A 1-mL tuberculin (or 0.5-mL of the animal’s size or condition.
protozoa/parasite levels (a fecal insulin) syringe, with a 25- to 29- The medial tibial artery is highly
sample is usually obtained by simply gauge needle, is recommended for mobile and easiest to access just distal
picking up or restraining the animal) most diagnostic sampling, depending to the stifle using a 29-gauge needle.
• Dental examination on the site selected. As much as 0.5 ml blood may be
Larger samples (up to 1 mL) may be obtained The techniques used for administering fluids in
from the cranial vena cava. Notice the needle sugar gliders are the same as in other small
is not completely inserted. mammals; however, care should be taken not
to administer fluids laterally, as they can pool Sugar gliders are particularly prone to
in the patagium, resulting in slow absorption obesity, especially when not exercised
and discomfort to the patient. frequently or when fed inadequate
diets that are too high in fat or sweets.
obtained from each side. • Subcutaneous: Dorsal midline of poor nutrition and vitamin intake
Cardiac puncture and orbital the thorax, using a 25-gauge needle. • Pneumonia, including discharge
bleeding are not recommended. Check for pooling in the patagium. from the eyes/nose
• Diarrhea, resulting from a change in
Injection Sites Most Common Disorders diet, inappropriate diet containing
• Intravenous: Cephalic or lateral • Malnutrition, which may be too high sugar content, bacterial
saphenous veins, using a 25-gauge expressed as hind-limb paralysis, overgrowths, Giardia, Crypto-
needle blindness, dehydration, cataracts, sporidia or Clostridium sp.
metabolic bone disease and seizures
• Intramuscular: Quadriceps, epaxial • Stress-related diseases, including
muscles of the neck and biceps/tri- • Obesity self-mutilation (particularly solitary
ceps, using a 25-gauge needle. Avoid • Intestinal parasites animals), cannibalism of young and
the use of medications that sting. • Hair loss, typically resulting from eating disorders
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Hair loss in an obese sugar glider. Cataract causes may include: genetics, Radiograph shows warped bone development
vitamin A deficiency, pouch infections and an in the rear leg (circle) consistent with
improper diet too rich in sugars or fat. metabolic bone disease.
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