Bacterial Infections in Sugar Gliders
Pocket Pet · Petaurus breviceps · typical adult weight 0.08–0.16 kg
4 cited drugs treat Bacterial Infections in sugar gliders: Cephalexin, Gentamicin, Lincomycin, Penicillin G.
General coverage of susceptible bacterial pathogens. Drug selection turns on the suspected organism's gram-stain, the patient's species (oral β-lactams unsafe in rabbits/guinea pigs), and the infection site (penetration to bone, CSF, or biliary tree).
The overview above describes Bacterial Infections across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to sugar gliders — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Cephalexin(Keflex)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, SC | 30 mg/kg | divided q12-24h | Bacterial infection (general) | Moderate | Morrisey JK, Carpenter JW, et al. Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630. | Ness RD, Johnson-Delaney C. Sugar gliders. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2012:393-410. | Pye GW, Carpenter JW. A guide to medicine and surgery in sugar gliders. Vet Med. 1999;94:891-905. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.703 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Gentamicin(Gentocin)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC, IM | 1.5–2.5 mg/kg | q12h | Bacterial infection (gram-negative) | Weak | Hedley J. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. Part B: Exotic Pets, 10th ed., British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2020. | Ness RD, Johnson-Delaney C. Sugar gliders. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2012:393-410. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.704 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
| SC, IM | 2 mg/kg | divided q12-24h | Bacterial infection (gram-negative) | Weak | Brust DM, Mans C. Sugar gliders. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:432-442. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.704 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Lincomycin(Lincocin)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, SC, IM | 30 mg/kg | q24h | Bacterial infection (general) | Moderate | Hedley J. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. Part B: Exotic Pets, 10th ed., British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2020. | Ness RD, Johnson-Delaney C. Sugar gliders. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2012:393-410. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.704 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Penicillin G(Pen-G, Crysticillin)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC, IM | 22000–25000 U/kg | q12-24h | Bacterial infection (general) | Weak | Morrisey JK, Carpenter JW, et al. Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630. | Ness RD, Johnson-Delaney C. Sugar gliders. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2012:393-410. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.704 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Other conditions in Sugar Gliders
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.