Care of the Virginia Opossum

Frostbite is damage caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. When the environmental temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), blood vessels close to the skin start to narrow or constrict. This constriction of the blood vessels helps to preserve core body temperature by diverting blood toward the core and away from the cooler parts of the body.

In extreme cold or when the body is exposed to cold for long periods, this protective mechanism can reduce blood flow in some areas of the body, especially the extremities (e.g., paws, ears, and tail), to critically low levels.

The combination of cold temperature and reduced blood flow can allow the tissues to freeze, causing severe tissue injury. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and in tissues with a lot of exposed surface area.

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Where is a animal most prone to frostbite?

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The paws, ears, and tail are the most common tissues to be affected. If the animal is wet they are even more vulnerable to frostbite.

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What does frostbite look like?

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• Blisters / ulcerations in the affected area.

• Pain in affected areas.

• Areas affected will feel cold and brittle when touched.

• Affected areas will be discolored; sometimes pale, gray or bluish. You may also see areas that appear black where the tissues have died.

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As areas of frozen tissues thaw, they may become red and very painful from inflammation. It can sometimes take several days for these areas to appear if the damaged areas are small such as on the ears, or tail. If it is severe enough, these areas will become necrotic. When this occurs, the affected tissues will turn to a dark-blue or black color and begin to slough off over a few days time. This is the time to be aware that secondary bacterial infections often set in, causing a bad odor and the formation of pus.  Any animal who is compromised with certain conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are at a higher risk for frostbite due to reduced circulation.

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How to treat an animal for frostbite. Do’s and Don’ts:

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DO:

• Move the animal to a warm, dry area as quickly as possible.

• If you suspect hypothermia, treat this first by slowly wrapping the animal in warm blankets or towels (you can warm these up by tossing them in the dryer for a few minutes.

• Place hot water bottles wrapped in towels near the body but NEVER directly on it.

• You may also carefully warm the affected area with warm (NOT HOT) water. The recommended water temperature is 104 to 108°F (40 to 42°C). At this temperature, you should be able to comfortably place your hand in the warm water. Water that is too hot, will cause more damage than not using any water at all.

• You may apply warm water compresses or soak the affected area in a bowl of warm water. Afterwards, carefully pat the area dry.

• Seek veterinary care: It’s always best to seek medical care in the case of frostbite. The animal is likely to need antibiotics to prevent the onset of bacterial infection. He will also likely need pain medication, which is best prescribed by a qualified Vet. In severe cases, the animal may need the affected area to be amputated. The prognosis for frostbite is by and large dependent on the severity.

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DON’T:

• Do not rub the affected area. Not with your hands, not with a towel!

• Do not warm a frostbitten area up until you are in the position of keeping it warm. Warming the area up and allowing it to cool back down will cause additional harm.

• Do not use direct dry heat such as a heating pad, space heater, or hair dryer.