Spring 2019

BESNOITIOSIS IN A CALIFORNIA OPOSSUM (DIDELPHIS VIRGINIA) By Kenneth D Jones, DVM Louisiana, Indiana, Michigan and Kansas. distributed throughout the dermis. (Fig. *Reprinted with permission This case describes first reported B. 2C, page 7) During intubation additional Darlingi infection found in Los Angeles, white bumps were noticed on the tongue ABSTRACT California. This study reviews clinical and oral mucosa. (Fig. 2D, page 7) diagnosis, pathologic findings, life cycle, Internal parasitic infections are common and potential modes of transmission and CBC and general chemistry were in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis significance of disease found in a naturally evaluated using the Abaxis blood and Virginia). Besnoitia darlingi is Apicomplexa infected V. Opossum. chemistry equipment. Following routine parasitic coccidia protozoa found in North blood draw, blood was also submitted to American opossums. This article provides CASE STUDY IDEXX lab for evaluation. The blood smear an overview of clinical signs, pathologic of the peripheral blood findings, transmission, life cycle and showed the presence treatment options. The following is a first of occasional pyknotic recognized case of Besnoitia darlingi in a cells. (Fig. 3, page 7) The California opossum. tail was repaired and samples of the skin were Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) submitted for biopsy. acquire parasites due to their foraging and scavenging behavior. The type of Following recovery, the parasitic infection depends on various opossum was released to environmental factors, including An adult male Virginia opossum was an experienced caregiver pending results weather, seasonal temperature and food brought into the Jones Animal Hospital of biopsy. The opossum was confined to availability. Besnoitia darlingi is known to for surgical evaluation. The opossum a large cage, was eating well, was active affect only opossums and transmitted by needed to have its tail amputated. (Fig. 1) but had severe diarrhea. Despite diet felids. An opossum in Southern California modification and deworming the diarrhea was infected with Besnoitia darlingi a On presentation the opossum appeared could not be controlled. Fecal analysis parasitic coccidian protozoa. healthy, was aggressive, and alert. showed infection of gastro intestinal The opossum was anesthetized for a ova of Turgida turgida and rhabidiform INTRODUCTION thorough examination. While preparing larvae being an indication of lungworm the opossum for surgery pinpoint white infection. Besnoitia Darlingi belongs to the group bumps were noticed around the eyelids Continued on page 6 of protozoal cyst forming extra intestinal and pinna. The author initially coccidia closely related to Toxoplasmosis. believed these lesions were Inside This Issue Besnoitia darlingi has been recognized reactions from insect bites. for over 80 years in North America with (Fig. 2A,B, page 7) Mail Pouch ...... Page 2 a reported infection rate ranging from Instructional Videos to Setup Opossum Cage ...... Page 5 10-60% depending on location. This During surgical preparation From the Pouch ...... Page 10 infection has been reported in opossums additional small white What Do You Make? ...... Page 12 from Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, papules were noticed widely In Memoriam...... Page 13

Visit OSUS at www.opossumsocietyus.org eggs, so there will be batches to a creaking noise made by the hatching for a while. Leaving photographer. out food may contribute to the Its posture was correct, didn’t problem, but our extreme heat is seem to have any trouble with bringing out all the insects. It is ambulation. Its hair looked good hatching weather for them. healthy. I didn’t see any wounds. Leslie It is on the small side for Mom to : Hi Leslie, let them go to be on their own but not unheard of. Of course, this is QI got your email from Nancy, the most dangerous phase of its : I have tried to leave you a as I have an opossum question life, when it’s first on its own and message by phone but it is very for you. A friend of mine found a not big enough to look scary to a Qconfusing. I have taken of opossums young opossum wandering around predator yet. today and so I was wondering at my house for years. However Maybe help it by leaving out some there is a serious infestations of if that is normal behavior for a young opossum. food and water, unless it’s illegal roaches that is due to all the food in your city or county. It should I leave for opossums, feral cats , Here is the video she sent me of grow quickly and I’m sure you’ll raccoons for the past 15 years. him. We think there may be a see it again. It looks like there’s all I had 2 teenagers opossums still den under her shed, as she often kinds of nice places to hide in the living in the garage and since pest sees these guys in her backyard at yard for a baby opossum. control came for the roaches...I do night pretty frequently. not see them anymore.. I see the : Leslie, is it safe for an Any info you can give me would older ones who live in the bushes opossum to eat cat food if it be incredibly helpful. I know some Q a lot.... has diatomaceous earth in it? The stuff about them but I’m definitely feral cats eat it...vet suggested we Pest control assured me it was not an expert and I get calls in use it for their skin and parasite harmless to animals as I told them these guys all the time. problems but i do not want to hurt about the young opossums...After Thanks so much, the opossums. Thanks—Cindy 2 hours he said...harmless....IS THAT TRUE???? The roaches have Brianna : Yes, diatomaceous earth can be consumed by opossums and nor died and they are coming : Opossums are nocturnal, peopleA with no ill effect. back Wednesday...so I need to so they are not generally up know ASAP...... duringA the day. That said, as a : We live in a residential area Or is it the heat as it is 115 F over mammal, they need about 20 Qin Oklahoma City. We feed here in Reseda.... minutes of sunshine a week to get sunflower seeds to the squirrels their essential Vitamin D. They and discovered we have at least Please call me asap or write back.... can usually accomplish that right 2 opossum as well. My cat is 18 Thank you at sunrise or just before dusk. and allergic to her shots but she Christel likes to go outside for a few hours. I suspect the opossum was rousted She does not leave the back yard, : Christel, from where it had picked what it too old to jump the fence! I have thought was a good place to sleep AThe amount pest control uses read that opossum can transmit for the day and was carefully to spray for roaches and other Leptospirosis to the cat. Is there headed to another one of its pre- insects will not harm opossums, really a danger to my cat or can I selected den sites. even the baby ones. It smells, so the keep feeding my new visitors. opossums may clear out for a while. In the video I viewed, it was : Hi Linda, I would clean up all the bodies you showing proper caution while find so other animals don’t gorge moving about exposed in the ALeptospiroris, aka “Rat on the roaches. Plus they are UGLY daylight. It clearly knew the Fever” can be transmitted to your to look at, dead or alive. videographer was there as it cat from a number of animals kept looking back frequently including: cattle, horses, dogs, You will need several applications and at one point it started to birds, rats and wildlife. of spray pest controls for roaches. gape its mouth open a second (a Most pesticide spray doesn’t kill Typically an infected animal sheds defense mechanism) in response the virus via its urine into water

2 OSUS www.opossumsocietyus.org sources and soil where the virus can You can also read the related themselves with the preceding last for weeks. Opossums do not articles about choosing dog foods identifiers) and you should get latrine where they eat. Your cat in the Winter 2018 and Spring a hit for your state. Find the could be exposed to leptospirosis 2013 newsletters. department dealing with wildlife and numerous other diseases from Leslie rehabilitation and give them a any number of animal sources if call if the information you seek Additional answer: your cat digs in the soil and/or A good rule of is not outlined on the website likes to swim around in watering thumb is if you can buy it in the itself. I would not ask a local holes where an infected animal grocery store, Walmart or Target…. rehabilitator because they might urinated. don’t feed it to your animals. Dog be grandfathered in under an old foods of poor quality have dogs law or operating under the radar. There are so many diseases and dying every day from toxins like so many species of animals and phenobarbital, excess Vitamin D Leslie insects that can carry parasites, and melamines and that’s just : Hi, I work at a wildlife rehab it’s impossible to totally isolate some of the issues with commercial center. We are currently your pets. Taking your pet for a dog food. Feed Nutrisource, Nulo Qtrying to redo our diets to walk or a cricket that got into or Nutro. Nutrisource is sold at reflect individual patients using the house, are potentially disease feed supply stores or private pet Kcal needs. However, finding transmission encounters. food stores, you can go online information on this for wildlife is It’s best to keep your outdoor and find a supplier near you. extremely difficult. If you have any feeding areas clean as possible Nulo is the same but it is carried information it would be greatly (hose off bird poop) and don’t at PetSmart. Nutro is at PetCo, appreciated. let your pet play in damp soil or PetSmart and many other places. : As you know, Kcals are standing water. Melinda Smith, OSUS Board calculated based on the Leslie member animal’sA condition; basal, growing : I have a friend who has a : I know how great opossum’s juvenile, sick or injured. non-releasable opossum. What are for us around the house. Go to the below website offered by Qis the best dog food to feed them? QI’ve heard they can regrow their WildAgain and select opossum for : Refer to the OSUS Captive spines. Is this true? I find it hard your animal and plug in the values AOpossum Diet Sheet, page 2. to believe. to get Kcal needs of the opossum: A captive should be placed on a Thank you https://wildliferehabber.com/ “maintenance” or as they call it Katarina rehab-data/kcal-calculator nowadays, “healthy weight” dog : No, opossums cannot regrow : I have always liked possums, food at about 9 months because their spines, but Klingons can. they are like armadillos - a they will get fat quickly as a young A Qlink to our past. As you suggested adult. Leslie on the site, there is tremendous Opossums need protein, I would : I rehabilitated baby opossums expansion and building going on in read the labels and look for dog Qwhen i lived in Iowa. i was an our neighborhood that has upset food that is at least 25% protein animal control officer. for a year the wildlife backyard populations. and 9% or less fat. The last one i would take home a variety of A possum is now crossing the street I chose was Nutro® Wholesome small animals and rehab them. My in mid-morning toward our house Essentials healthy weight small question today is : Is it required and going into the crawl space of breed adult dog food (25.00% to have schooling to volunteer for the house next door. I am certain protein, 7.00% fat, 11.50% fiber) rehabilitation? If it is required, that one nesting spot has been made from chicken, brown rice how do I go about getting involved. routed, and the noise from the construction is quite bothersome. and sweet potato. It has 2935 : Each state has its own rules Should I try to make a nesting kcal/kg, 222 kcal/cup. and regulations governing place for the possum protected wildlifeA rehabilitation. Go online They will resist going to the from cats and dogs? It could be and type in your state, then Game different chow, but they will not nestled between the house in an and Fish, Fish and Wildlife or starve themselves. Gradually get L corner with a brick wall on one Department of Natural Resources them switched over on a low-fat side and the water barrel on the food. (most state organizations name Continued on page 4

OSUS 3 www.opossumsocietyus.org : Hello, I witnessed : Well, Cheryl, this is indeed a MAIL POUCH continued from page 3 something out my mystery. I would wager you are Qwindow in the middle of the rightA about two males attempting other. I would make it about 8’ night, and I wonder if you to mate with a female. Apparently long and 2 1/2 ‘ wide with a pet can interpret what I saw? There there is no “love at first sight” in door on the front. What do you were 3 very large opossums - at the opossum world as all matings think? first I thought they were playing, are a more of a noisy brawl than Patsy chasing each other around. But a simple mating. Describing her then I realized 2 of them were as “really large” could mean : Patsy, trying to get close to the largest that she had babies in her pouch. AThat’s a bit large and there’s one, and “she” was chasing them Opossums have a double womb, no guarantee an opossum would away, and they were chasing each so they actually can reserve, or use it. They like tight, secure other away from her. I assumed allow to develop, a second litter spaces. What I have in the corner it was 2 males fighting over at a staggered time, concurrently of my yard is an old dog carrier who would mate with a female. as the first. Not to say that the crate I picked up at a garage I watched for a good hour. All 3 second womb might have already sale and removed the front door were shrieking at each other like been taken. A major scuffle as you from it. (below, left) I bought an banshees. This morning I found describe could knock babies out of old rubber door mat and put it a dead adolescent opossum right the pouch. The babies then could atop the carrier to keep water in the middle of my back porch. conceivably get in the way of the from coming in the airholes (About 4-5 inches long). It didn’t mating, or be left behind if the (below, center), still allowing air look eaten, but rather it’s jugular female escapes. The baby could flow and to provide a front flap was ripped out. Do you think then be prey to another species for the entrance (below, right). the males killed the baby in her that came along afterwards. The I put the carrier facing inward pocket so they could mate with opossums may have been too (turned outward for the photo) her? I’ve read about this sort of upset after the encounter to think in the corner of the yard, atop behavior in other animal species. straight. But an opossum kills to two concrete blocks to keep it off But why would it be on my eat the whole animal and it would the wet ground with just enough back porch, a good 50 feet from be highly unlikely to leave behind room to squeeze up and into it. I where the fighting was? Thanks what was now food, a dead laid down some flat newspapers for taking the time to answer! I animal, which they do love to in the bottom, then stuffed it 3/4 really love having some wildlife eat. Another predator could have full of crumpled, clean newspaper. in my backyard, but this was so come along, found the abandoned disturbing to watch. baby opossum and killed for I do get the occasional visitor. Cheryl the thrill of the kill and left the Leslie carcass. I sure wish you had a trail

4 OSUS www.opossumsocietyus.org camera that could have recorded or any garbage exposed. We have same ones or new ones come find and pieced this all together. sensor lights that are constantly this spot all the time, but I don’t Leslie on at night from them and it know what to do. No amount of doesn’t seem to bother them. We deterrent, lights, noise, or any : Hello. I have done tons of had a possum control company remedy is working and I really Qresearch and read all the leave 2 (humane) traps out for 3 just need to feel some peace at articles about possums living in nights and only caught two total night. Any advice is appreciated, the yard. I know they’re generally and released 10+ miles away, but and I’m sorry for the novel. not dangerous and they don’t there are plenty more clearly. Wanted to eliminate the chance cause hardly any damage or We can’t let our dog out after of being suggested to follow one create messes for us. However, 530PM without her trying to of the solutions we already tried, they are everywhere and I am break through the fence to catch and am hoping I’m not SOL! absolutely terrified. Although I’ve them-and she will absolutely try Kara read that they tend to not stay in to play with them regardless of one area for long, we have at least if they hiss or fight back. I don’t : Kara, 2 rummaging through our bushes know what else to do. We also AIn my unprofessional opinion, and yard at all times. They come cut overhanging branches that you need help in getting your out the moment it gets dark, which they used to sleep and rummage fears in control. I suggest you is before we even get home from through specifically, but how visit your nearest health food work most days. I’m generally they just stay in the bushes near store or vitamin shop that terrified of any small noctornul it and have somehow made or carries homeopathics. Consider animals and have a panic attack inhabitated a pile of leaves and purchasing Ignatia Amara 30C the second I see one outside. I’m branches along/in our fence that and use per label instructions until terrified to walk to or from my car I don’t even know where they your fears subside. Or you could at night after having one scramble could have come from. We have use Bach Five Flower essence, put in the bushes a foot away from a very small wooded tree strip a couple drops on your tongue, or me when I was fumbling with my (maybe 10 ft wide and 20 ft on a Kleenex and waive it under keys to get inside. We have a short wide) on the vacant lot next to us your nose until you are calm. wooden picket fence with large that they seem to have inhabited Leslie gaps in between, so they often while our house/yard was vacant fall into our yard from the trees for over a year until we moved in and brush lining the outside of the last month. I’m not sure if it’s the fence. We don’t keep food, water INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS TO SETUP OPOSSUM CAGE ON OUR WEBSITE The following links are hidden on our website and only available to view by typing in the links provided below.

This first video illustrates how to set up a cage in a “triangle formation.” Having the food/water in one section, bedding in another, litter box in a third maximizes success, monitoring and cleanup of young litters. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJylrsadgBk

This second video instructs on how to add an extra horizontal support bar (especially if you’re using bird cages) to hang your water bottles. Having the water bottles hanging at the correct angle minimizes leaking. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92ca1n9lSLg

This third video is how to determine placement of a water bottle for hanging. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xhOoVOYiaE&t=16s

OSUS 5 www.opossumsocietyus.org BESNOITIOSIS IN A CALIFORNIA OPOSSUM continued from page 1 Histopathologic finding of the dermis ascending infection in the gastrointestinal BESNOITIA DARLINGI confirmed the presence of Besnoitia tract. (Fig. 7F, page 8) darlingi protozoal cysts. (Fig. 4 A,B,C, page Life Cycle: Besnoitia darlingi follows 7) CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS a heteroxeneous life cycle similar to Toxoplasmosis requiring both an The appearance or these lesions are Definitive diagnosis of Besnoitia d. is intermediate and a definitive host. The uniquely diagnostic of Besnoitia darlingi based on the anatomic lesions and domestic cat, (Felis catus) the Bobcat infection containing bradyzoites. Based histopathology. A presumptive diagnosis (Lynx rufus) and other felids serve as on the diagnosis, and uncontrollable of Besnoitia d. should not be confused primary host while the opossum serves as diarrhea the opossum was returned to with granulomatous furunculosis or the intermediate host. The transmission the hospital and was euthanized upon dermatitis caused by Demodex or of Besnoitia darlingi between opossums request of the caregiver. dermatophytes. and felids is well-documented.

Gross pathology revealed nodules on both Finding tens to hundreds of non-pruritic, Feline: When cyst-containing tissue kidneys, on the gastrointestinal serosa white 1-3 mm pinpoint papular lesions is ingested by the cat bradyzoites are and urinary bladder. Similar nodules in the skin and mucous membranes, released and penetrate enterocytes of were also found on the pericardium, especially over the nares, conjunctiva, the intestinal tract forming the sexual myocardium and endocardium. Kidney sclera, pinnae, limbs, and perineum are stage. Schizonts and gamonts form the and heart were submitted for biopsy (Fig. pathomnemonic for this disease. The sexual stage undergoing one generation, 5 A,B,C,D, page 8). presence of multifocal protozoal cysts forming gametes. Once fertilization with minimal surrounding histiocytic occurs there is a prepatent period of 11- The stomach contained a large number of and lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis 14 days when the oocysts are shed in the Physaloptera nematodes. (Fig. 6, page 8) is seen histologically with epidermal feces. Cats do not develop extra intestinal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis results infection with Besnoitia as they do with HISTOPATHOLOGY REPORT in the morphological diagnosis. Finding Toxoplasmosis. Cat feces are not routinely crescent or spindle shape bradyzoites in examined for Besnoitia oocysts which Protozoal cysts were identified in the crushed skin and conjunctival scrapings, closely resemble Toxoplasmosis oocysts. kidney and were distributed throughout confirms the suspected diagnosis. Prevalence of these Besnoitia darlingi the heart, including in the myocardium cysts in cats is unknown. Cats do not and in the heart valves. (Fig. 7 A,B,C, page The appearance of pyknotic neutrophils become ill, and no treatment for infection 8) There is a lack of inflammatory response cell in the circulation has been reported is needed. surrounding Besnoitia d. cysts with lack of in chronic inflammatory reactions, leukocyte response. toxicity and may be related to the severity Opossum: When the opossum becomes of concurrent disease. The presence of infected with sporulated oocysts, the The lung section shows Capillaria pyknotic cells found in the blood smear oocysts replicate by a form of asexual sp. in the airways along with other of this opossum can indicate severity of reproduction known as endodyogeny. significant disease in the lung, indicating Besnoitia darlingi infection. Sporozoites are released during the bronchointerstitial pneumonia. (Fig. 7D, prepatent period after about 10 days. page 8) This is the first reported case of Besnoitia Sporozoites encyst and invade intestinal darlingi in a California opossum. Besnoitia cells, become tachyzoites. This patent The spleen demonstrates white pulp darlingi is the only species of Besnoitia period lasts about 6 days. The parasites hyperplasia, likely secondary to systemic known to infect marsupials. No possum penetrate and feed on various host cells antigenic stimulation, which can be in Australia has been reported infected. in the intestine, undergo schizogony, related to pulmonary disease and/or The definitive lifecycle for many Besnoitia develop into schizonts, and release parasitism. (Fig. 7E, page 8) spp. is still not known. The following is a merozoites. First-generation meronts discussion of what is known about the develop in the endothelial cells of blood There are mild portal infiltrates in the life cycle of Besnoitia darlingi affecting vessels, while later generations develop liver, which may reflect some degree of opossums. primarily in fibroblasts and connective

6 OSUS www.opossumsocietyus.org tissue of various organs producing nodules and papules spring and summer increasing exposure to oocysts. Opossums containing bradyzoites. become exposed to sporulated feline oocysts in several ways. Opossums are not coprophagic and do not intentionally More Besnoitia oocysts are shed in the summer. Studies show ingest cat feces. They may become infected through ingesting Besnoitia darlingi has a shorter incubation period with increase infected animals such as lizards, snakes or rodents, or by production during warm weather. ingesting coprophageous insects such as beetles, crickets, and cockroaches, or through ingesting contaminated food or water. Opossums are more active foraging and scavenging in the Continued on page 8

OSUS 7 www.opossumsocietyus.org BESNOITIOSIS IN A CALIFORNIA OPOSSUM continued from page 7

Some authors believe that Besnoitia sp can be transmitted though bites of hematophagous insect vectors as flies or ticks.

Finding Capillaria sp. in the intra-bronchial and bronchiolar lung tissue indicates this opossum ingested infected feces of a mammalian species known to transmit Capillaria sp. such as bobcats (Lynx rufus) or domestic cats (Felis catus) Further study is needed to ascertain correlation between Capillaria and Besnoitia ongoing comorbidities, environmental stress, and concurrent infection in opossums. parasitic infection. Few opossums were reported to have severe clinical disease and inflammation associated with Besnoitia Discussion: Besnoitiosis does not typically cause clinical disease darlingi. Reported signs include trembling, incoordination, in opossums despite widespread systemic dissemination of circling, blindness, poor body condition and sudden death. bradyzoites cysts. More severe clinical manifestation of disease may be secondary to compromised immune suppression, No routine test is available and there is no known specific

8 OSUS www.opossumsocietyus.org treatment for an infected opossum. Few cycle and transmission between the cat have adapted well to urban areas. With treatments have been suggested based and opossum has been shown. Besnoitia increasing interaction between humans, on treatment of toxoplasmosis and darlingi infection generally results in domestic animals, feral cat populations, other coccidia species using sulfadiazine minimal disease in opossums but severity and wildlife the potential exists for or Ponzuril. In limited studies of increases depending on co-morbidities creating new zoonoses. experimental induced Besnoita infection and degree of parasite load. Every in rabbits, antimony and sulfanilamide rescued opossum needs to be examined ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS complex was found to prevent cyst thoroughly, treated with parasiticides development. Oxytetracycline also may and antibiotics. Rescuers need to The author would like to recognize and have some therapeutic value if give early recognize B. Darlingi and not confuse this thank pathologist Michelle Fleetwood in the course of the disease. External newly emerging disease with other skin DVM, Dip. ACVP at IDEXX Veterinary lesions may be treated with 2% tincture diseases. Laboratories for the identification of of iodine. tissues. The author would also like to thank Comments: There is still much to be Denise Mantle for rescuing the opossum Summary: Clinical recognition and learned about the life cycle of Besnoitia in and Eugene Gordon for supporting this pathology, gross, and histology of opossums and its clinical significance. The study. Besnoitia darlingi have been discussed. significance of finding Besnoitia darlingi It is know that opossums like to hang out in a local Southern California opossum is with feral cats where they are attracted not clear. At this time no Besnoitia species to easily available food. Probable life are considered zoonotic. Opossums

BESNOITIA FOOTNOTE

The author of the article was contacted by OSUS and asked about a treatment protocol for besnoitia and we received the following response: Possibly Albon, Ponzuril or TMS. All have been suggested but no studies have been done. Let me know if you come across other cases. Thanks, Dr. Ken Jones

As the doctor requests, anyone that has heard of other cases in the U.S. besides the ones listed below, please let us know so we can pass on the information to Dr. Jones. Especially if someone has found an effective treatment used in early stages. - Leslie [email protected]

Other references online: Four Virginia opossums with Besnoitiosis • https://bioone.org/journals/Journal-of-Zoo-and-Wildlife-Medicine/volume-43/issue-2/2011-0181.1/DEBILITATION-AND- MORTALITY-ASSOCIATED-WITH-BESNOITIOSIS-IN-FOUR-VIRGINIA-OPOSSUMS/10.1638/2011-0181.1.short (pay to download) Opossum with besnoitia in Mississippi: • https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/49106/PDF Opossum with besnoitia in Michigan: • https://reference.medscape.com/medline/abstract/17580564 Opossum with besnoitia in Louisiana: • https://zoowildlifejournal.com/doi/abs/10.1638/2008-0165.1 Besnoitia in other species: • https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/besnoitiosis

OSUS 9 www.opossumsocietyus.org : Good evening from north net and scooped the opossum out FROM THE POUCH Texas. I saw two opossums in of the pool. I placed the opossum Qclose proximity to one another on a dry towel and left, hoping : I have a family of opossums feeding on birdseed in my backyard the mother would come back. living in an old hot tub in tonight. This was the first time I Qmy backyard that I am about to Waited an hour and no mommy saw more than one. Could this opossum in sight. dispose of. I want to try and make be a breeding pair? Or a nearly- a new home for them to move to grown opossum with the mother First, should I feed the baby before I remove the hot tub. Do possum? Any information you opossum anything, and if so, what you have a suggestion for plans have would be most appreciated do they eat? or how I could relocate them to (Photo below) Second is there someone in my another house? I do believe that area I can call? there are several really young ones in the family. I live in Rocklin, California. Oliver Charlie : Hi Oliver, : Return to our As close to dusk as possible, A website and tear off or open sections of the lookA under How to hot tub you are going to dispose Locate a Wildlife of. Now being partially exposed, Rehabilitator Near come nightfall, the mother You. There are some opossum will take her babies small mammal with her to forage during the Rehabilitators in night and to a different den site the Sacramento the next morning when she goes area. to bed down. : Obviously they are both Ironically, the Opossum will be She will have 4-5 other den sites taking advantage of a food dehydrated from exerting itself in identified in the area and will A source. They are actually about the pool. Offer it water only and a have been alternating between the same size. The one on the right clean, warm area to dry out, but them all these months. Once she's looks larger, but the largeness is can't escape. gone, keep the hot tub open and around her midsection, so I would exposed until you dispose of it so say she has babies in her pouch. During orphan season it's that she doesn't put it back into Siblings know their own siblings sometimes hard to reach her rotation of den sites. forever and may eat together. Rehabilitators because they are so busy. If they haven't gotten Leslie Opossums from different litters may eat together, they will back to you by tomorrow, take : Subject: Found baby possums let each other know if they are the baby out to your backyard QMessage Body: Need assistance getting too close by gaping their to the exact same spot, the exact with what to do mouth at the other or make a same time you saw the mother "cacking" noise. Opossums mate (a Opossum. She will be back, looking Near charleston wv I believe they for that baby. Visually locate the are brand new born maybe 4". violent, noisy encounter), then go their separate ways immediately mother, she may be concealed William afterwards, so that wouldn't be it. or freeze when she hears you. Walking slowly, speaking softly (so : William, Leslie Mom can hear exactly where you AWest Virginia doesn't allow : Good morning, while are), place the baby as close to the people to help with their wildlife gardening this morning I Mom as possible without spooking (draconian policies). Qfound a baby opossum in my her and make sure she can access Try the OSUS member who I am swimming pool. The little baby’s the baby to pick it back up. Roust, sending you contact information mother was on top of the fence or unwrap the baby a little so on. walking away. I didn’t want the it will start making "choo-choo" little opossum drowning in my sounds, upset at losing its cover Leslie pool, so I carefully took the pool and warmth, to get the Mom's

10 OSUS www.opossumsocietyus.org full attention. Mom will then just giving him whatever he needs. Stimulation to expel waste make "clicking" noises to let the Is he too domesticated? I want A mother opossum licks the baby know she's there and they him to have a full and happy life perineal (anal and genital area) will reunite. and a chance to reproduce, etc. of her young in order for the Also check our website under FAQ Please help and thank you infants to urinate and defecate. It on how to construct a life line Sincerely, is important for you to simulate this behavior. Holding the on the side of your pool so an Christina In PA Opossum can pull itself out if one opossum upon a surface, lift and falls in. : If you originally found the hold the tail aloft between two opossum in your backyard, fingers. Manually stimulate the : Subject: New born Opposum A put him in your backyard, young prior to feeding by gently QMessage Body: Will the mother maybe in the den box you've been rubbing the perineal area with a takes its new baby back if held by providing. See if he explores in the cotton ball, cotton swab, tissue a human? night. It may take several nights or cloth moistened with warm I had to save one from my cats. I for him not to have returned to water. Rub gently from front to put it on a carpet where she could his den box in the morning to back until the opossum urinates hear it crying. sleep during the day. Make sure and defecates. Do not be alarmed you place the den box somewhere if the opossum does not eliminate I returned About 10 minutes later relatively secure, hidden and not each time. For the opossum(s) who and they were both gone. exposed to overheating by the sun. didn’t eliminate prior to feeding, Delcia They have a smell memory of over try getting them to eliminate one year, so he'll be able to follow : A mother will pick back up after feeding. The others may have his mother's old scent trail to find its baby. It's actually a myth licked the area causing the young food, shelter and water in the thatA most species wouldn't take to eliminate in the bedding. Using neighborhood. Don't be surprised back their babies after human a non-toxic marker, mark the to see that he returns to his old handling. opossum that has not eliminated den box in your yard every two and check next time. If still not Leslie weeks or so to sleep. You'll also eliminating and seems bloated : Hi I’ve had a possum living see him in between, foraging in or uncomfortable then contact in my basement all winter your yard. Or, if you don’t care to an experienced rehabilitator as Qlong, he and his brother settled in have a den box in your yard and soon as possible. Also, read the when it started to get cold and he’s been gone a couple of days, Common Orphan Care Problems I got the brother out but didn’t remove it, he’s found other den and Solutions section included. As realize he had a twin still living sites. soon as you see those little turds down there and by the time I Leslie and pee-balls in the litter box realized it was already December provided in their cage, you know : A fellow rehabber has a so I let him stay. Set him up In you can stop manually stimulating baby opossum with EXTREME the bathroom downstairs and them. Provide a litter box when Qbloat. We tried several methods have been researching proper care the opossums are old enough to to help but nothing seems to be and diet and behaviors etc....I’ve leave their man-made pouch and working. The baby looks like a been feeding him proper diet and walk around the cage. Also provide freaking blow-fish and I’m VERY taking very good care of him even a hamster size water bottle concerned. If someone can call bathed and flea treated him but hanging from the side of the cage. we’d like to go over everything now I would like to release him Bowls of water left in the cages she’s tried since it’s a lot to type because it’s nice out and he can can become an invitation for the out. We need help soon or this establish his own den but I wonder babies to defecate in them. For baby won’t make it. if he’s not too domesticated he is those who are not responding to not really hand shy at all, he will : Hello Carol, stimulation, I take them outside, let me pet and brush him....he’s not AIs the opossum not urinating? or hold them over a cloth or other afraid of the cats or dogs and I’m Are you stimulating the opossum material that will absorb a urine concerned he won’t do well in the either before or after feeding for it stream. I turn them on their back, wild because of this and because to eliminate? Here's the section on cradling with one hand, while he’s never had to forage for his stimulating to urinate from our with the other hand, I locate own food because he’s used to me Orphan Opossum Care Manual: Continued on page 12

OSUS 11 www.opossumsocietyus.org Return A: I'll send you a release size FROM THE POUCH, continued from page 11 chart. It's best to release as close as possible to where it was found. the sternum bone just above the enough to survive on his own plus Opossums have a smell memory stomach, just below that bone, we have coyotes in the area and of at least one year and it can I apply gentle pressure on the stray cats. follow the scent trails of its Mom sides and start a gentle squeeze Joni and siblings to good locations simultaneously from both sides to find food, water and several and they should start urinating. : I'm sending you the orphan different den sites, as they will I continue the squeeze downward care diet to help him out for A alter between den sites. There towards the perineal area until the couple of weeks it will take are no absolute guarantees in life. no more urine is streaming out. him to get to release size. No 100% predator/hazard free Kinda like removing meat from Leslie spots an opossum can exist on inside a sausage skin (if you've Return Q: He has diarrhea. what this earth. We have to give them ever done that). I couldn't find should I give him? the best chance possible to make a video online with the method the choices that will get them to I was taught (with kittens and Joni adulthood. Funny thing, across it worked on opossums) but I did Return A : the mammal spectrum; humans, find a stimulation method for whales, deers, opossums.... bloat online: Kaopectate® the juvenile period is the most 0.25-0.5 ml/kg PO q 4-6 hrs https://www.youtube.com/ hazardous and most likely for the prn watch?v=c987NYtT79I species to get into trouble. G.I. protectant. Sometimes this is all it takes for Leslie things to start moving again. Concerns on the salicyclates. Prefer Return Comment: He is now 9” from Sometimes it's an underlying the use of Sucralfate (Carafate®) nose to bum. He just seems a bit problem that must be identified Sucralfate (Carafate®) 10-20 helpless to me Maybe he’s faking with xrays. mg/kg PO q 8-12 hrs. Can be that too. Oral medication: crushed, mixed with warm water and given as slurry. G.I. protectant, Joni Famotidine (Pepcid AC®) gastric erosion control. Good for Final Comment: I don't know what 0.5 mg/kg PO q 12-24 hrs nausea and irritant ileus. you are keeping him in, but I've Treatment for gastric distress, You'll have to convert ounces to seen opossums develop what I call esophagitis. Reduces gastric acid Kg, there are 28.35 grams in an a "prison mentality" when they production. ounce, so you are probably talking are in caged captivity for a long If you use homeopathy, I would about ONE drop of Kaopectate period of time, especially when try Nux Vomica. from an eyedropper into the not with a litter. They snap to opossum's mouth. and their instincts kick in once Leslie they know they are free. Leslie : Hello we rescued a baby Leslie possum from my dog last Return Q: How do I know when this QSunday evening. He seems fine. He baby is ready to be released and loves scrambled eggs but what else where do I release him that he should he be eating at this stage? won’t just get eaten by a coyote? He’s about 5-6 inches long from There are lots of coyotes in my nose to bottom. Can you guess at area and stray cats as well. his age by size? What else can I Joni do for him? iIdon’t think he’s old

“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we in ict on our soul when we look the other way.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

12 OSUS www.opossumsocietyus.org WHAT DO YOU MAKE? Author Unknown

A man said to me, “Oh, you’re a wildlife rehabilitator? That’s cool. What do you make?”

“What do I make?”…..

I make terrified creatures less afraid. I help an animal with her pain and help her with her babies after she’s been struck by a careless driver, or killed because she sought refuge in your tool shed.

I nurse and care for her surviving babies in order to return them to the environment when they are old enough. Yes, their environment is your neighborhood.

I make children experience sympathy and respect for another living being.

I make the world a less scary place for the last moments of life for each animal that has died in my hands from rat poison left out indiscriminately or lapped anti-freeze leaking from a vehicle.

I make animals fight to live after they have given up.

I make every effort to heal an animal’s wounds that have been left for days in a trap or set on fire by someone who thought it was funny.

I can make you better understand the natural world we must all learn to exist in.

I make myself get out of bed at 3 a.m. for feedings during the night.

I make nothing from my state, county or city. I make every possible moment count towards helping wildlife.

I make a difference.

“What do you make?”

OSUS 13 www.opossumsocietyus.org IN MEMORIAM Edith Hoage Cynthia Lee “Cyndi” Douglas When OSUS held monthly October 8, 1962 – October 14, 2017 meetings in Orange County, Cyndi was a long-term member of the Opossum CA, Edith would be seen at the Society of the United States. She volunteered to store meetings. She was just lamenting and ship the OSUS inventory for nearly two years. I’ll to me via email in October that never forget dropping the inventory off at her house, she wished we still had the meetings. I emailed her in her garage. I was explaining everything to her when back saying that it just became too much for me. her pot-bellied pig came trotting into the garage from Edith had a decades long appreciation and affection the side yard door. He squealed in astonishment at for opossums. People who care so passionately the sight of strangers (my husband, Gary and I) and about opossums are really special people. ran back through the door. Cyndi explained, “He’s shy.” Thank you Edith for all you did to help opossums. I later learned that Cyndi was responsible for getting the city of Burbank, CA to change their laws to allow pot-bellied pigs as domestic pets. DISHWASHING SOAP AND BLEACH It’s never, ever safe to mix dish soap with bleach. Check the dish soap label - if it contains any ammonia-derived compounds, it will say “Do not mix with bleach.” Bleach + ammonia creates very bad gases. We have edited that cleaning suggestion out of our DVD, it was based on old dish soap which didn’t contain ammonia-derived compounds. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dishwashing_liquid https://www.thealternativedaily.com/stop-using-bleach-now/

14 OSUS www.opossumsocietyus.org The Opossum Society of the United States Wishes to Thank Our Contributors

Chuck Douglas, In Memory of OSUS volunteer Cyndi Douglas Christey Schreiber Here is a fun way to help opossums. Combine your two favorite hobbies Emily Karassik - shopping and opossums! Visit our online gift catalog. Follow the links Linda Wickstrom to some great shopping sites such as Amazon.com and iGive.com. Buy books, videos, music, toys, gifts and lots more! Every purchase you Anne-Marie Schnetzler make helps the opossums. OSUS receives a portion of every purchase. Jerri Rivera So Spend! Spend! Spend! After all, it is for a good cause! Tell your Gary Bale friends! Remember, you must access Amazon.com and iGive.com from Peter Jackson the LINKS on the OSUS webpage in order for us to get credit for your purchase. Do not go directly to Amazon or iGive. Gary Geisler Morgan Taylor, On Valentine’s Day, In Honor of Mark Gohlmann and his love for Me & Marsupials OSUS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL FORM Cris Alvis _____Please find enclosed my tax-deductible donation. Natalie Burton ____I want to become a member of O.S.U.S. Penny Melquist ($30 / year U.S/, $40.00 year int’l) Sweet Binks Rescue ____ Please renew my membership of OSUS ($30/year) Barbara Trevino (Check one of the above) Dawn Krusch

Name: ______Cris Alvis Susan Kay Address: ______Barbara Trevino

Telephone: ______Corey Powers Nichelle Curtis - Someone carelessly ran over Email: ______an Opossum I was stopped to save. I hope this donation, albeit small, helps make a Membership is $30.00 annually difference in some way.

Please mail check to: Diana Wallace OSUS Cris Alvis P.O. Box 16724 Hoage Revocable Living Trust Irvine, CA 92623 Without our contributors and those members whose Or register via PayPal online at our website: work generates donations to OSUS, we would not www.OpossumSocietyUS.org be able to care for as many orphans, save as many Note: The OSUS membership/email list is never given out to any injured or reach so many people with our information other organization. It is used for official OSUS business only. Your on opossums. Good job, and thank you all! Your membership renewal month due is the month you joined. generosity really make a difference.

OSUS 15 www.opossumsocietyus.org Opossum Society of the United States P.O. Box 16724 Irvine, CA 92623

Join OSUS and receive ...

Phone Calls and Mail: • Quarterly Issues of ‘Possum Prints. Due to the tremendous volume of messages left • Updated diet/development/medical sheets. on our Board of Directors, • Orphan/Injured care information. Counselor, and City • Veterinarian/emergency care list. Coordinators’ answering • A warm, fuzzy feeling! machines, toll and long distance calls which require an answer will be returned collect. When requesting information from the Society, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). Due to the high volume of mail requests and the cost of postage, the Society can no longer absorb this expense. Donations to defray the costs of printed materials will be accepted at any time. Address correction requested. Postage Guaranteed Please take the time to send us a change of address card when you move so that you do not miss out on any issues of ‘Possum Prints. Printed on recycled paper.

Meetings and Events 2019 Event Location

Jun 15 – 16 IWRC Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation* ...... Caroni, Trinidad

* All IWRC courses are described and available to purchase on their website (theIWRC.org)

http://www.opossumsocietyus.org OSUS Board of Directors August 2017-2019 Leslie Bale • (562) 804-3038 • President/Liaison, Official Agencies • [email protected] Leslie Brogan • (818) 255-0925 • Secretary Crystal Norris • Email: [email protected] • Treasurer Melinda Smith • Email: [email protected] • At Large