Reproductive Disorders of Marsupials

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2017 May;20(2):539-553. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2016.11.011. Epub 2017 Feb 4.

Abstract

Marsupial reproduction differs significantly in anatomy and physiology from that of placental mammals. The gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts empty into a cloaca. Reproductive parameters include gestation and pouch time, as the fetus develops outside of the uterus. Captive marsupials discussed include sugar gliders), short-tailed opossums, Virginia opossums, and Tammar and Bennett's wallabies. Common disease conditions include joey eviction, pouch infections, mastitis, metritis, prostatitis, penile necrosis, and neoplasia. Common surgeries include penile amputation, castration, and ovario-vaginal-hysterectomy or ovario-hysterectomy. Therapeutics used for these conditions are presented.

Keywords: Marsupial; Opossum; Reproductive disorders; Sugar glider; Wallaby.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female / therapy
  • Genital Diseases, Female / veterinary*
  • Genital Diseases, Male / therapy
  • Genital Diseases, Male / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Marsupialia / anatomy & histology
  • Marsupialia / physiology*
  • Reproduction