Ear & Tail Injuries
For Short-Tailed Opossums (STO)
By Molly Kalafut
Side view of a short tail opossum with ears torn off
Fighting With Other STO
Most physical injuries suffered by short-tailed opossums are inflicted by other STO. Like all 60+ opossum species, STO are solitary animals and generally intolerant of each other. Short tail opossums may fight and even kill each other; particularly breeding pairs, mothers with weaned babies, and even siblings. Fighting STO tend to target each other's ears, eyes and tail. To prevent hostility, short tail opossums acting aggressive towards their siblings can be separated anytime after 6 weeks. Breeding pairs are usually separated after 12 days spent together or after mating has been observed (usually around day 8-9), and should be monitored for aggression during the time they are together. Mothers can be removed safely from the babies after 6 weeks though most prefer to wait until after 8 weeks.
Ear and Tail Damage
Causes of ear and tail damage include injuries from fighting with other STO, mites, and low humidity. Owners have reported successfully treating injuries from fighting with the use of iodine, Neosporin, Vaseline and/or Vitamin E. STO and their environments with mites can be treated with Ivemectin/Ivomec, mite remedies labeled safe for all small pets and Sevin dust.
Sometimes STO ears and tails will dry up, shrivel and wrinkle from humidity that is too low. If this happens, a humidifier should be placed near the cage and owners report successfully treating the ears with Vaseline, Vitamin E or other balms recommended by their vet.
While humidity problems occurred more frequently several years ago, STO seem to be getting more resistant to low humidity and many live just fine in dry state such as Nevada, Arizona and Colorado without problems.
Luckily, most ear injuries are cosmetic. Even if the outside ear is permanently damaged they will still be able to hear fine. Dr. Naomie Poran developed and sells a $20 ointment for STO ear and tail damage.
I am not a veterinarian. This health information is to educate about common problems and preventative measures. If you suspect your STO is ill, you should contact a vet right away.
