Yellowing: Marking and Jaundice

Written by: TMarie - GA Owner/Admin

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Yellowing can be a warning sign of illness or just a sign of normality. There are two issues with yellowing this will deal with – marking and jaundice.

Marking

Adult males, once they reach maturity, will discover their ability to mark their territory. Their scent gland on their heads will develop. Sometimes you will not be able to notice any difference at all aside from the “bald spot” they will develop. However, if you happen to be lucky (if you can call it that) like me and notice that your male and/or any gliders he may be caged with have a yellow tint to their fur (especially the underside), don’t panic right away. It could simply be the male marking him and his “territory.” To check, take a warm, damp cloth, and wipe their fur clean. Then dry very thoroughly with a towel. Sometimes, depending on how heavy of a marker the male is, you may have to repeat this more than once.

*Note: If the stain does not go away, it is probably not marking. It could be due to poor diet. In other cases, some color variations have a cream colored stomach rather than pure white.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing in humans and animals. In sugar gliders, this usually is seen on the nails and paws. Jaundice is a symptom of two major ailments, and is not anything to take lightly as gliders do not show symptoms until the last minute. The two illnesses jaundice is a sign of are aflatoxicosis and giardiasis.

Aflatoxicosis is a liver disease from the ingestion of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are produced by certain fungi that can be found on food and in animal feed. Peanuts and corn carry the highest risk. Crickets often contaminate gliders if they are fed contaminated corn. Aflatoxins can cause cancer.

Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by a parasite called Giardia. Giardia lives in the intestines of people and animals and is also extremely contagious. It can also stay dormant in gliders for up to six months. Giardia is most commonly found in contaminated water.

If your glider is jaundiced, seek vet care IMMEDIATELY and have the appropriate tests run. These include a fecal smear and float, UA, and cytology.

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