Causes of Sugar Glider Seizures
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Dehydration
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Dehydration is a potentially fatal condition, but, if caught in time, it can be reversed. Dehydration occurs when sugar gliders do not have enough fluids in their system. They should drink filtered water, so always have plenty available. They will also get some fluids from eating fruits and vegetables. Frozen produce is the safest to provide for healthy gliders. Dehydrated sugar gliders may exhibit several symptoms, including seizures, lethargy, constipation, deep or rapid breathing, decreased urine output and shrunken eyes. If your glider has been suffering from diarrhea or has been vomiting, then that could contribute to fluid loss. Another test is to lightly pinch the skin on your glider's back. If it stands up, then your glider is likely to be dehydrated. Many veterinarians will recommend Pedialyte if your sugar glider is severely dehydrated. If you do not know the cause of dehydration, seek a veterinarian's help. Diabetes or kidney diseases could be a cause of excessive urination leading to dehydration.
Diarrhea
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As diarrhea can cause excessive fluid loss, dehydration and seizures can occur. Diarrhea can result from bacterial infections, parasites, a bowel disease or malabsorption, a condition in which your sugar glider may prove to be lactose intolerant or intolerant to some other specific food. Stress can also cause diarrhea, such as the stress of moving to a new home. If your sugar glider is suffering from diarrhea, make sure it gets plenty of fluids. Pedialyte is a good choice since it keeps electrolytes in balance. If you cannot determine the cause of the diarrhea, take your sugar glider to a veterinarian to be checked for bacterial infections or parasites. Take a stool sample with you.
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Giardiasis
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Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness resulting from the microscopic parasite Giardia intestinalis. This infestation can remain dormant in a sugar glider's intestinal tract for up to six months and only show signs of its presence after the sugar glider has become stressed. Sugar gliders with this parasite may display a change of behavior, become lame, or have diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration, which may induce seizures. Their stool may appear green and there could be a yellowish tinge to their underbellies, indicating jaundice. Immediately seek veterinary care for these symptoms and isolate the sick sugar glider, since this disease is highly contagious. Cleanliness is the best prevention: keep the cage clean, keep hands clean when handling food and wash the glider's food. Peeling fruit is an additional safeguard.
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