THE NECROPSY EFFORT

The Necropsy Effort is a project of the SUGAR Group. The goals of the necropsy effort are:
1) To collect scientific data on sugar glider anatomy, death and physiology through the collection and analysis of necropsy reports and a necropsy survey.

2) To encourage owners to consider having a necropsy (and histopathology) any time one of their beloved gliders passes away by reimbursing a portion of the cost of the procedure(s) for anyone who completes our survey AND provides us with a copy of the reports.

We learn from each and every necropsy performed. Collectively, these reports are helping us to put together a comprehensive picture and to make recommendations for treatment. Even more significant to owners is that the necropsy reports in combination with the surveys are helping us to put together a list of symptoms that one might see BEFORE a glider becomes terminally ill, so that perhaps we can begin to treat some of these conditions and prolong the healthy lives of our gliders. This is an important project, and one that is very near to my heart.



1) Notify myself (Val) that you wish to receive reimbursement. I will let you know at that time if we have funds available.

2) If funds are available, they will be earmarked for you and set aside. You have your necropsy and/or histopathology completed and await the report

3) In the mean time, complete our necropsy survey.

4) When you receive your written report, forward a copy to the SUGAR group.

5) Once I have BOTH your report (both reports if you are seeking reimbursement for both a necropsy and histopath) AND the completed necropsy survey, then we will approve you for reimbursement.

6) I will forward reimbursement to your paypal address within 3 weeks of approval.



You CAN participate in the project even if you do not wish to have reimbursement. You can provide us a copy of your report and complete our necropsy survey ANY" time. We even welcome necropsy reports from months or years ago. EVERY one helps the effort.


Surveys and necropsy reports can be sent to

Val Betts
c/o The SUGAR Group
604 Deahl Street
Borger, TX 79007


Reimbursement rates are as follows

Necropsy ONLY - $25
Necropsy + Histopathology - $75


We will continue to offer reimbursement as long as funds are available. Funds become available when donations are made, and through projects such as the RRRoundup's raffle and other fund-raising events throughout the year. The SUGAR group appreciates the support of ALL who participate through completing surveys, sharing lab reports, telling others of the SUGAR group, creating educational materials for our programs, making donations and attending the RRRoundup in Feb.

As of August, 2010 the reimbursement rates for the Necropsy Effort have changed. The new reimbursement rates are as follows:

* IF the glider is shipped to us (at Val's address),your cost for a necropsy AND histopathology is $50. [this would mean that the SUGAR Group absorbs the rest of the costs of testing.]

* IF you choose to have the necropsy and histopathology performed by your veterinarian and chosen lab, then the SUGAR Group will reimburse you $25 for each report returned to us with a completed necropsy survey.


We remain very grateful to each of those who are helping us compile these reports. One day - with enough information - we will begin to see patterns and trends which will allow us to make changes which will improve our gliders lives. Your information is important and matters greatly to us.