Articles
- Pet first aid
- Thinking of a new pet?
- Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease
- Cat fights
- Dental care
- Ear infections
- Heat stress
- The itchy pet
- lost pets
- Pet Insurance
- Pet pop-offs!
- Winter pet care
- Helping a baby possum
- Chocolate toxicity
- Heartworm Disease
- Atopic dermatitis or atopy
- Indoor vs Outdoor Cats - The Great Debate
- Canine Cough
- 10 Common Plants that are Toxic to Dogs & Cats
- Breed DNA Testing
- How to keep your indoor cat happy and healthy
- Separation Anxiety in Dogs
- Guinea Pig Teeth
- Bat Lyssavirus
- Why is my vet so busy?
- It's Not Long Until The Easter Bunny Arrives!
- The Hidden Danger: Why Throwing Sticks Can Harm Your Beloved Dog
- Found a Baby Bird? Here's What to Do
Tags
Pet Health
Helping a baby possum
It is a common occurrence for joeys to be brought into the veterinary clinic. When a baby possum is found alone, most of the time it is because they lost their grip from their mother. Always look around to try to find the baby’s mother. Possums are very territorial and if she is still alive she will most likely remain in the area searching for her baby. Before going near the joey, ensure that the mother is not in sight. If you see the mother, it is best to leave the baby possum where you found it. If you find a dead female possum, check the pouch to ensure there are no joeys inside. If there is a joey attached to the teat, do not pull the joey off as it may damage the joey’s palate, which will eventually kill the joey. It is best to bring the deceased mother, with the joey still inside the pouch, into the veterinary clinic.
Identifying the Type of Possum:
Ringtail Possum (above photo)
- Long, thin tail with a white tip
- Small, rounded ears
- Brown to black fur
- Pale fur on belly
Brushtail Possum (below photo)
- Long, furry black tail with a hairless strip
- Large, pointed cat like ears
- Thick grey to brown fur
What to do:
- Remember where the joey was found
- It is best to use gloves to pick up the possum
- Place the baby possum in a dark pouch such as a sock
- Place the joey inside a small box or carrier with towels to keep the joey secure
- Do not hold the joey unless necessary
- Use either body temperature or a hot water bottle to keep the possum warm
- During transport, ensure the possum is safe
- Transport to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible
What happens next?
Once the possum is brought to the veterinary clinic, the veterinarian will assess the joey, checking for injuries. If injuries are present, the veterinarian may choose to either treat the possum in clinic or transfer the patient to the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital for treatment. If the joey shows no signs of injury, a Wildlife Carer will be called to collect the possum. It is best for the Ringtail joey to be with a Wildlife Carer as they do much better in pairs or small groups. Ringtail joeys are more delicate than Brushtail joeys and require more dedication to care for. It is still best to have the Brushtail joeys in a Wildlife Carers care, as they are more familiar with the requirements the joey needs. Once the joey is at an appropriate age, they will then be released back into the wild.
Written by Natasha Jones, Veterinary Nurse
© Copyright 2016. Northgate Veterinary Surgery, Queensland. All rights reserved.
Posted in Pet Health at 23 October 18