Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Virginia Opossum

Our 200th patient of the year!

Patient 24-200 resting comfortably after a week in care at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

Our 200th patient of the year, a young female Virginia Opossum, is looking much better (and extra comfy) after 11 days in care at BRWC! She was found tangled in the belt of an automatic garage door and hanging from her leg. Luckily, the finder quickly called their local wildlife experts at Richmond Wildlife Center.

Dr. Jen Riley and Danielle Merichko, Veterinary Extern from Western University, treating patient 24-200 with fluids and a bandage change. @BRWC 2024

Their team was able to remove this opossum from the belt safely, do a quick exam and determine the patient had radial and ulnar fractures to the front right leg.

The Richmond team was able to stabilize the patient overnight. Then, the next morning, one of their amazing volunteer transporters drove her up to BRWC for continued treatment.

Our veterinary team placed an external fixator in her right leg to stabilize the fracture.

Patient 24-200 after external fixator was placed by BRWC team. @BRWC 2024

Thankfully, this opossum has bounced back in attitude beautifully! She is eating, drinking, and moving around well, now that the initial swelling in her hand has gone down. At her most recent bandage change, vet staff noted that the skin and surgical sites appeared calm and healing well.

Although this little lady still has a long road ahead of her, and 6-7 more weeks with her external fixator pins in, staff are hopeful for full healing and release!

Speaking of Opossums….

Join us this Saturday for BRWC’s first-ever St. ‘Possums Day event!

Exclusively for adults aged 21 and over!

What can you expect?

• Indulge in adult or non-alcoholic beverages (2 per person) and snacks.
• A program with Gizmo himself, BRWC’s VA Opossum ambassador, led by his dedicated keepers to shed light on the fascinating world of the United States’ only native marsupial!
• A raffle to win our St. ‘Possums Day-themed gift basket, featuring a personalized painting by Gizmo and other exciting opossum merchandise valued at $100!

ST. ‘POSSUM DAY TICKETS

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.