Blood Draws in Sugar Gliders
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There has always been fear of drawing blood in sugar gliders because the risk is so great. The reality is, it is no more of a risk for a sugar glider than it is for any other pet, or even a human for that matter. |
Risks
There is an inherit risk of the anesthesia. If anyone tells you otherwise, they truly are incorrect. Anytime a living being is put under anesthesia there are risks involved. However, during any procedure, this is monitored closely to make it as safe a practice as possible. To put the risk into perspective, every sugar glider that is neutered has to undergo anesthesia. The time frame they are under anesthesia for a blood draw is about the same as for a neuter; yet we are perfectly comfortable recommending neuters everyday. The risks are the same.
The amount of blood that can be drawn from a glider is very small. As with any other living being, only a certain percentage of their body weight can be drawn, <1% of body weight. The vet will weigh the sugar glider prior to drawing blood to quickly calculate the amount that can be taken. This ensures the safety of the animal during the blood draw as well. Blood can be drawn from the lateral tail vein (tail base), cranial vena cava, medial tibial artery or jugular vein. The tail base is my Veterinarians preferred location as it is easy to see and fairly simple to hit the vein.
The amount of blood that can be drawn from a glider is very small. As with any other living being, only a certain percentage of their body weight can be drawn, <1% of body weight. The vet will weigh the sugar glider prior to drawing blood to quickly calculate the amount that can be taken. This ensures the safety of the animal during the blood draw as well. Blood can be drawn from the lateral tail vein (tail base), cranial vena cava, medial tibial artery or jugular vein. The tail base is my Veterinarians preferred location as it is easy to see and fairly simple to hit the vein.
Importance of Blood Draws
Blood testing is important in normal glider health. Having blood work done on your healthy sugar glider will provide your Veterinarian with a baseline for your sugar glider. When a glider becomes ill, and other tests are not revealing a diagnosis, blood work may be needed. If the baseline has been predetermined for your sugar glider, your Veterinarian will have something to compare the new results. This comparison can greatly assist the medical staff in coming up with a proper diagnosis to treat your sugar glider.
Basic things a CBC Blood Panel will provide your Veterinarian for proper diagnostics are (but not limited to):
Kidney (Renal) Issues
Liver Issues
Enzyme Level
Protein Level
pH Level
Calcium Level
Phosphorus Level
There are different types of blood samples (serum, plasma, typical blood samples, smear) required for various tests. Your veterinarian will determine which type of sample and tests will be conducted based on the needs of your sugar glider.
Basic things a CBC Blood Panel will provide your Veterinarian for proper diagnostics are (but not limited to):
Kidney (Renal) Issues
Liver Issues
Enzyme Level
Protein Level
pH Level
Calcium Level
Phosphorus Level
There are different types of blood samples (serum, plasma, typical blood samples, smear) required for various tests. Your veterinarian will determine which type of sample and tests will be conducted based on the needs of your sugar glider.
Research
Research is another area where drawing blood is extremely important. Blood tests can help in determining what a glider utilizes from its diet. This will assist in determining various nutrient levels diets should contain to maintain healthy sugar gliders. Other areas of research may include genetic testing, and various diseases and illnesses.
Selected Hematologic and Serum Biochemical Values for Sugar Gliders
obtained from the Merck Veterinary Manual
