Medical Conditions of Wild Virginia Opossums (Didelphis virginiana)

Ariane Santamaria–Bouvier

doi:10.53607/wrb.v30.56

Authors

Ariane Santamaria–Bouvier DVM Wildlife Center of Virginia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v30.56

Keywords:

Virginia opossum, trauma, metabolic bone disease, frostbite, congestive heart disease, opossum parasite, bacterial, zoonotic infection

Abstract

While the Virginia opossum is a frequent admission for wildlife caretakers, there is limited published information on diseases of this animal. A review of noninfectious and infectious diseases of the Virginia opossum and reported treatment options highlights what is known and the need for further data on this North American marsupial species.

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Author Biography

Ariane Santamaria–Bouvier DVM, Wildlife Center of Virginia

Ariane Santamaria-Bouvier, DVM completed an internship in zoological medicine at the Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada, and an internship in wildlife and conservation medicine at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. She is currently doing a residency in zoological medicine–wildlife health management at the Centre Québécois sur la Santé des Animaux Sauvages/Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada.

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