Mushroom Update: (Patreon)

(Somewhat difficult to watch)

Mushroom has been having mobility issues for the last two months. What started out as difficulty using her back legs has now become her struggling to get around at all.

During our last vet visit the vet took an X-ray showing that there were no clear indications of MBD; a bone density disease brought on by lack of proper nutrition or inability to properly absorb nutrients. This is very prominent in opossums and other marsupials in captivity. She thought maybe it was a pinched nerve so for the last month she has been on pain medication which seemed to help until this past week when she stopped using most of her upper body as well.

For the last two days she has been shuffling in order to get around her room. She does not seem to be in any pain and is eating, drinking, and using the restroom normally. She’s alert and reactive which is also a good sign.

I quickly scheduled her an appointment at The Univeristy Of Florida Small Animal Hospital. This is one of the top veterinary practices in the country. I’m hoping they can help us, but part of me is highly concerned for her quality of life. Usually once an animal loses their mobility, especially during their later years, there is not much that can be done to regain it.

This is extra difficult considering that she is otherwise in excellent health and seems very cognitive. Normally when an animal is ready to move on this is not the case and it’s apparent that they are tired. I’m worried that once she’s assessed at UF that I’m going to have to make a very difficult decision.