Fur Loss
On Short-Tailed Opossums (STO)
By Molly Kalafut
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Fur Loss
The most common health problem is fur loss (alopecia) around the tail and rump. The cause is usually attributed to protein deficiency, cage bedding allergy, or more rarely mites.
Protein deficiency is a common cause and easy to fix if that's the underlying problem. With regular protein intake the fur generally grows back quickly. At least one high-protein meal per week (insects, egg, avocado or tofu) is usually enough to heal and prevent the problem. The fur may grow back in completely, or it may grow in slightly thinner than before. This problem occurs most often to STO that are fed primarily dry food with very little supplementing live insects, egg or meat.
Another cause of the fur loss can include an allergy to the cage bedding. Cedar, pine or aspen are the most frequent culprits in bedding allergies. Switching to a different bedding such as CareFresh or CellSorb usually causes the fur to grow back in. Very, very infrequently an allergy to CareFresh causes the fur loss and in those cases switching to CellSorb is recommended.
Sometimes the fur is rubbed off if the STO doesn't have enough soft nesting material and is sleeping directly on the cage plastic or glass. Owners should monitor the activity of their STO to see if any repetitive motions may cause this fur loss. Increasing the soft materials in their sleeping areas often helps -- like providing strips of tissues, lining the nest box with felt, etc. One long-time breeder recommends increasing the size of the nest box opening to help fix the rump fur problem.
Very rarely, mites can cause the fur loss. This is the least common (but easiest to diagnose) because it is usually in conjunction with patchy fur, hair loss in other areas and excessive scratching. But mites rarely cause the problem when it's just rump fur that is lost.
Unfortunately, some owners report their STO still have fur loss even after weeks or months of increasing protein intake, changing cage beddings and watching to see if they're rubbing the fur off. If this is the case, you may want to consult a veterinarian if you haven't already.
The good news is that this fur loss seems to be merely cosmetic if the STO is in good health otherwise. It doesn't appear to shorten their lifespan and it doesn't seem to cause much (or any) discomfort. Breeders also report that females missing fur (but are otherwise healthy) don't suffer from infertility and have litters that are just as large and healthy as usual.
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.
