Wildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin

Osteoma in the oral cavity of a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

2025-07-24T08:49:58+00:00

Tumors in skunks are not well-documented in the literature and are thought to occur relatively uncommonly. During an annual physical examination of a three-year-old, female, captive, education-program skunk at Mercer County Wildlife Center in New Jersey, two hard, spherical masses were found on the lateral gingiva of each maxilla. The right mass measured approximately 8 × 8 ×15 mm, and the left mass measured approximately 5 × 5 × 5 mm. The masses were pedunculated, and the degree of invasiveness could not be determined on pre-surgical radiographs. The masses were easily removed, and post-removal radiographs showed minimal bone lysis. Histopathology revealed an unencapsulated, but well-defined osteoma composed of organized trabeculae of woven bone in a loose connective tissue matrix. No such neoplasm in the oral cavity of a skunk has been recorded previously in the literature.

Weasels, minks and fishers—orphan rehabilitation of the slinky carnivores, Part 2: care protocols for orphaned infants and Juveniles

2025-02-26T12:53:24+00:00

Mustelids are highly specialized, efficient predators with special care needs while in a rehabilitation setting. The following intake and orphan care protocols for select North American mustelids is a combination of natural history, literature review, established orphaned wildlife rehabilitation procedures, professional consultations and personal experience. The protocols address some of the unique characteristics and requirements of these slinky carnivores, while also providing tools necessary for successful rehabilitation and release. Part 1: Natural History (Popp 2024) discusses the natural history of North American weasels, minks and fishers, including physical characteristics, habitat and diet, and how these factors may be used to inform their intake and care protocols when brought into the rehabilitation setting. Part 2: Care Protocols for Orphaned Infants and Juveniles discusses vetted care protocols for orphaned weasels, minks and fishers based on their natural history and established orphaned wildlife rehabilitation procedures. Part 3: Pre-Release Conditioning and Release discusses the steps involved in preparing these species for a successful release.

Review of NWRA Wildlife Formulary

2024-09-07T20:33:01+00:00