Trauma

What is it?

Injuries are common in sugar gliders. They can fall during gliding, get limbs or tails caught in cage wire, toys, or exercise wheels, suffer burns, or be attacked by other pets or cagemates. Gliders with metabolic bone disease break bones more easily.

What signs should I watch for?

Signs to watch for include limping or holding a leg up; bleeding or wounds; swelling or an abnormal angle of a limb; reluctance to climb or glide; and hiding, crying, or chewing at an injury.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Your veterinarian examines your glider and usually takes X-rays. Treatment may include wound care, pain relief, splints or surgery for fractures, and treating infection.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Glider-proof play areas, supervise time out of the cage, use solid-surface wheels, and keep cats and dogs separate.
• Small injuries can become serious quickly, so have them checked.