What should be done if a sugar glider is chewing on sutures after surgery?

If a sugar glider is chewing on sutures after surgery, applying a protective collar is a practical and effective solution to prevent this behavior. The protective collar, often referred to as an Elizabethan collar or e-collar, serves to physically obstruct the animal's ability to reach the surgical site. This protective measure is critical in ensuring the integrity of the surgical wound, as chewing or pulling on sutures can lead to complications such as wound dehiscence, infection, or prolonged healing times.

While administering sedatives may calm the animal, it does not address the immediate issue of the sugar glider accessing the sutures. Keeping the animal isolated might reduce distractions or stress, but it does not prevent the animal from chewing on sutures if given the opportunity. Checking for infection is an important post-operative care step, but if the animal is actively damaging the surgical site, addressing that behavior with a protective collar takes priority to ensure proper healing. Thus, using a protective collar directly targets the problem and provides the best chance for a successful recovery.