When the anal glands become impacted/abscessed/infected, it causes discomfort for the glider and may lead to decreased appetite and to lethargy. The glider is also at risk for self mutilating the area to remove the pressure of the infection.

It is important that anal glands in gliders NOT be expressed. Because the cloaca in the sugar glider is a multi-purpose opening, it is important that we not squeeze/express infected fluids (pus, etc) into the cloaca. This could cause infection to spread to the urethra, sex organs, or colon.

Instead, either aspirate the anal gland with a needle, or lance and drain them.

Here are photos of a significant infection being lanced and drained.

A small cut is made and then the pus is squeezed out. The gland is then flushed and drained. The small incision will heal quickly.



The amount of pus removed will be larger than expected, range in color from yellow to dark yellow to green and may include blood.


The glider is then placed on a course of antibiotics and monitored for continued or returning symptoms.