General Health

Question
Hi!
GREAT site!!

I got a glider almost 3 weeks ago from Pocket Pets.  Had her checked out by my vet - just a general physical, not for any health concerns - and I've discovered that she has a parasite in her intestines and am now having to give her some medication.  Dr. says it's easily treated and she's not in any danger.  But I'm pretty ticked off.  Isn't it common practice for breeders to screen the gliders before they're sold?

Answer
Dear Sandi:

Don't be "pissed off" but be concerned.  I know of no breeders that have a vet check done for parasites and no, it is not common for them to do so.  When I bred gliders, I did not have vet checks done on each joey, but I offered a gift certificate for $25 off at my vet (which my vet billed me for) with my joeys to encourage owners to take them in for a wellness check.  I know of no other breeder that does so.  I never had a joey come back with any parasites.  We had an adult with it once, which came from an incoming rescue. We also had a report of it with a joey of ours, but it showed up months after the owner paired the joey with a female from someone else that likely gave it the parasite.  

If a good breeder with healthy gliders has no reason to suspect giardosis or giardia, then there is not a reason to take every joey in.  Healthy gliders can have the parasite dormant in their system undetected, but it is not until the animal is sick or under stress that the parasite begins to become active and shows up sloughed off in the stool.  

However, for the joey to have this, it must have been passed from the parents.  Did you see the operation?  Was it clean.  Did the parents appear healthy?  Did you research the breeder in question beforehand.  This is one of those buyer beware situations.  

I do not know anything about the breeder you mentioned, but I would certainly call them and report the problem. They should treat their gliders within the population this joey came from as it is contagious.  Ask them to pay for part of the bill or a partial refund.  Your animal should be fine with proper treatment.

Follow the directions the vet gave you and your pet should recover.  If you have not already, I would do some heavy research on sugar gliders.  Taking it to the vet was a very good step, so I suspect you have already done your research.

Best of luck with your new baby.