Sugar Glider Pediatrics

Abstract

Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are small nocturnal marsupials with a unique metabolism and reproductive strategy compared to other common exotic companion mammals. Although there are few reports on the pediatric diseases of sugar gliders, clinicians should be aware of the normal reproductive anatomy, physiology, and rearing of sugar gliders. By recognizing the signs of normal reproduction and joey development, clinicians can identify abnormalities quickly and provide appropriate intervention, as needed.

Keywords: Hand rearing; Marsupial reproduction; Neonatal development; Petaurus breviceps; Sugar gliders; Thermoregulation.