Comments | brainyserf: The end draws near?

brainyserf

The end draws near?

Oct 08, 2007 15:51

Last night when I went to feed our short tailed opossum, Koopa, I noticed that her right eye has a SERIOUS cataract on it, making it completely white. It happened so suddenly. When I fed her on Friday, both eyes looked normal, but last night, it was a milky white. I fear that she's drawing to the end of her life. She hasn't been as sure-footed ( Read more... )

Comments 3

Koopa anonymous October 8 2007, 22:14:07 UTC

I'm sorry to hear about your STO's cataract. It does happen somewhat frequently in older short-tailed opossums. Congratulations on her reaching 4 years! Not many live past 3, so she must have had a very good life (and owner). Good luck.

hadjare October 8 2007, 23:09:19 UTC

It's weird to read that it's so common, and yet I feel bad for her. I wonder if there is anything we can do to make her last days more comfortable? Maybe more banana? Poor koops.

Koopa hadjare October 9 2007, 16:12:24 UTC

Maybe you could check with a vet to see if they have any recommendations about the eye, or medication to make her more comfortable. Does she have an exercise wheel? Most STO love them, and sadly one of the strongest signals of being "near the end" is when they no longer run in their wheel, and if they are wobbly/shaky when they walk and spend much of their time laying on the cage floor (not in their nest). If that is the case, I'd suggest putting her sleeping area on the same level as her food/water so she doesn't have to climb to reach food, water or shelter. Banana and applesauce are good to make available for old or ailing STO because of the high moisture content and they usually love it. (But, if she can still run in her wheel or walk okay, maybe she'll still be okay for some time to come. Some STO do make it to five!)