Differences between wellness exams and sick/injured glider vet visits

There are many differences in a vet visit for a wellness check and a vet visit for a sick or injured glider. It is important that the pet owner know these differences and avoid having a wellness exam when their glider is sick or injured.

THE WELLNESS EXAM

The sugar glider wellness exam serves several functions. It is intended to familiarize the vet with the glider(s) AND to establish baseline measures for use in future visits or emergency situations. It is also used to establish that the glider is healthy and to catch illness or issues early on so that they don't escalate. Additionally, it familiarizes your gliders with your vet and his/her scent which will help to decrease stress at times of illness or injury.

AT A MINIMUM, the wellness exam should include the following:
Physical examination - thorough check of eyes, ears, teeth, coat condition, nails, heart, lungs, skin and pouch/pom (if present)
Mobility - vet should watch the glider move and ensure that mobility for walking and climbing is normal.
Fecal float - will check for parasites and cysts that float. Some bacteria may be visible as well.
Fecal smear - will check for parasites and cysts that do not float.
Urinalysis - will check various levels in the urine to ensure they are "normal" - Urinalysis can help detect many diseases before symptoms occur.

I personally also recommend a FECAL CULTURE and a SNAP test for giardia at the wellness exam. Others recommend bloodwork each year.

ILL OR INJURED GLIDER VET VISIT

When a glider becomes ILL or INJURED the rules change just a bit. The primary concern at this time becomes diagnosing the issue and formulating a treatment plan.

The above issued tests are not recommended upon wellness exams just to have something to do. They are recommended because they assist with the diagnosis of several issues that are common to gliders. Therefore, they become even MORE IMPORTANT when the glider is ill. DO NOT NEGLECT FECAL EXAMS AND URINALYSIS when seeking the cause of your glider's illness.

WHEN A GLIDER IS INJURED
Be sure to complete all diagnosic tests to ensure the most effective treatment available.

The following may be necessary:
Culture & Sensitivity of wound or any pus/exudate from an abscess - this will not only identify the specific bacteria(s) present, but will also determine which antibiotic will be most effective at treating it.
x-ray - this will determine whether there is a break/fracture of bone, poor bone density, a tumor or cyst present, dislocation, intestinal blockage, pneumonia and so on.

Also complete any of the above tests that have not been completed in the last 6 months. You would be surprised what a simple parasite or bacterial infection can quickly lead to.

WHEN THE GLIDER IS ILL/SICK
It is VERY important that testing be completed until a CAUSE is found before treatment is prescribed. How can you treat effectively if you don't know what you are treating for? Many vets will utilize symptoms to make a treatment plan. Please insist upon testing for your glider so that valuable time is not wasted. When a glider shows signs of illness, it is no longer time for conservative treatment. It is time to be aggressive in finding the cause and developing a treatment plan.


For the sick/ill glider, consider the following tests:
Fecal exams - all of them. ESP. where there are symptoms of a parasite. Test and re-test. Float, smear, SNAP, centrifugal .... do them all.
Fecal CULTURE - to identify bacteria that might be contributing to or the sole cause of your issue.
Urinalysis - will help identify a variety of issues that plague gliders such as kidney disease, UTI, bladder infection, etc.
Bloodwork - to rule out more chronic issues.
x-rays - all the reasons listed above
Bile acid testing - will give you an indication of liver functioning.
Biopsy of any tumors or growths - will let you know if you are dealing with cancer or some other issue.


You can have your vet aspirate (with a needle) urine directly from the bladder to test if a urine sample is not given. You can also do this to distinguish between a UTI and a bladder infection.

Remember, most issues cannot be ACCURATELY diagnosed without actual testing. If you ask for it, the vet will do it. KNOW what you are treating, and you will find that treatment is both more effective AND more expedient.

Just want to remind our members of the importance of TESTING when you have an ill glider. It is so important to get a handle on what you need to treat. Encourage your vet to use current diagnostic reasoning and to not simply treat symptoms. Remember, many of the things you "see" in your gliders are symptoms of a much larger issue. Neurological symptoms, dehydration, lethargy, difficulty eliminating - all of these can be attributed to much larger issues.

And it seems important to bring this up once again.

Quote :

Many vets will utilize symptoms to make a treatment plan. Please insist upon testing for your glider so that valuable time is not wasted. When a glider shows signs of illness, it is no longer time for conservative treatment. It is time to be aggressive in finding the cause and developing a treatment plan.

Please, everyone, I implore you to insist upon TESTING when you have a sick or injured glider. I can't tell you how many deceased gliders show up at my home for testing and we find that their issue could have been treated. Have the tests run. It could save your glider's life!