u/Positive-Village-263

Not asking for details or photos or videos, just want to know the lil guy's okay.

Photo is of an ACEO I purchased on eBay by happyhollydayart

We took Cotton (wild opossum we saw on our wildlife cameras) to the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. He did have what we thought was obvious MBD, plus a rash on his back (mange? road rash?), a broken toe, one good eye, and it looked like his tail had been snagged in something at one point. But most of this was treatable.

I received an email today stating the following:

"I am regretful to inform you that we had to make the very difficult decision to humanely euthanize the Virginia opossum (#5862). The veterinary team performed a thorough physical examination upon arrival and found that the opossum had sustained severe head trauma. The following notes were provided on the opossum's medical chart:

Attitude: Inappropriate mentation

Dehydration: Moderate

Neurologic: Rolling

Neurologic: Circling

Eyes: Clouded and blue tinged

Integumentary: Facial wounds on snout

Cardiac/Respiratory: Pale mucous membrane

Neurologic: Head trauma

Pain score: Serious (3/4)

Due to the extent of the head trauma, poor prognosis for recovery, and with consideration for the opossum's declining quality of life, it was determined that humane euthanasia was necessary to relieve its suffering. We know this is not the outcome we had all hoped for, but we always want what's best for the animal that is suffering. Please know that our team shares your sorrow and disappointment in the outcome for this opossum. We can find some comfort in knowing the opossum was provided pain relief, and was in a warm and comfortable environment during its passage.

Nonetheless, we are so thankful that you took the time to recognize this opossum was in need, and that you trusted us to help. Your concern for our wild neighbors makes a difference no matter the outcome, because it provides a chance for recovery that would have never existed without your intervention. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. "

I just.... don't know if I agree this was the best outcome. Yes, MBD may be an extensive, time-consuming treatment, but as you can see in this video, he wasn't circling, and it didn't look like he had a head injury.

I've seen a number of posts where people take opossums to rehabbers and then subsequent posts stating that the opossum was euthanized.

I'm heartbroken. 💔

A while ago I posted an opossum who came by with a torn ear and possible other wounds, but she never came back. This guy, we've been calling him Cotton, has been coming by for a little over a month now. When he started coming by he was limping, his tail looked broken or maybe he snagged it one something.

But he's been getting progressively worse and now he's pretty much just dragging his left hind leg and losing use of his right hind leg pretty quickly. My husband and I have been trying to catch this guy for a while.

He won't go into a Hav-a-Hart, and we can't find where he's staying. He desperately needs a rehabber. We're going to be trying to pull an all nighter to nab him because this poor baby needs to be spoiled for whatever time he has left.

Eating. Non-aggressive. I don't *think* it's distemper, but.....? I thought something was biting him, but he didn't stop.

....and we're taking this and the video to the sheriff as it's a felony to mess with people's mailboxes. Under federal law (18 U.S.C. Section 1725), mailboxes are restricted exclusively to postage-paid, official U.S. Mail delivered by authorized USPS personnel.

I need to try to get this lil friend to a rehabber, but I'm going to have to catch her first. She looks rough, really rough, but she was quick. I'd post the video, but the pictures are heartbreaking enough. 🥺💔 This is the first time I've seen her (or him but I think it's a her) around. Skotch (raccoon) was there and gave her a wide berth.

Update: I didn't see this precious lil marsupial on the cameras last night. I did set up a Hav-a-Hart trap with some cherries and mini marshmallows since opossums have sweet teeth. Unfortunately, no Tiny Tim (my husband named the poor baby), but also thankfully none of the other wild ones got curious. I did set the trap away from where their food normally is so I could try to avoid inadvertently trapping one of Skotch's kits or even Schmendrick (another opossum). I'll try again tonight. Also, thanks for the awards.

Update #2: He or she didn't come by last night, either. I hope they are doing a lot better and living their best life and not suffering. Not suffering. 😞

Meet Frodo, Samwise, Meriadoc, and Peregrine. 🥰💖

I bought Prepotente, but my husband found (fake) Secret Lair MtG cards. I love them!!!!!!

https://ebay.io/m/pEzv7t

https://ebay.io/m/1TcEqb

https://ebay.io/m/M0pMcJ

These were made with colored pencil and are listed at

https://ebay.us/m/ogvaGh

and

https://ebay.us/m/IaNVbk

...and so did my daughter!! Zodiac ACEOs are mine, abstract ACEOs are my 12-year-old daughter's.

https://ebay.us/m/y0YpDU