Pictured below is a magnificent arrangement of flowers. Although the flowers are beautiful, one type is highly toxic to cats. Which flower is poisonous? What are the symptoms of toxicity? Diagnosis: Lily (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) Lilies from the Lilium and Hemerocallis species contain a toxin that causes renal diease in cats. (The two orange flowers with brown …
Monthly Archives: August 2011
Be Careful Wearing Nail Polish Around Tortoises
Tortoises have excellent color vision. In addition to the colors that humans observe, they also see into the ultraviolet spectrum according to Ronald Orenstein, author of Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins: Survivors in Armour. Because of this wonderful gift, people need to be careful when interacting with tortoises. I have heard of tortoises mistaking painted toenails for …
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Desert Dog Police Canine Trials
Last spring, I attended the Desert Dog Police Canine Trials in Scottsdale, Arizona. The highlight of the event was watching Kaos and Athos, two dogs who came to visit me in the hospital. Pictured below is Kaos performing protection work. Once he bit the agitator’s knee through the hole in the door, he never let …
Dr. Nelson’s 2011 Animal Charity Grant
In honor of World Veterinary Year, I am offering to speak for free on behalf of an animal charity in any of the 50 United States. The deadline for applying is August 31st, 2011. Since it’s coming fast, I wanted to offer a reminder of this grant. I hope to make it a wonderful gift for …
You Make The Diagnosis: Ring-tailed Lemur Unusual Behavior
Pictured below is a Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) from the Honolulu Zoo. Native to Madagascar, these primates live in troops lead by a core group of females. Name a unique behavior observed in Ring-tailed lemurs. Diagnosis: Air Scent Fights Ring-tailed lemurs engage in stink fights. According to the Cougar Mountain and National Zoos, lemurs possess scent glands on their wrists. …
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Color Vision In Dogs
Last weekend, I watched the Western Regional Championships for the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge on TV. I love watching healthy dogs perform and their unabashed joy at flying through the air. During the “Big Air” segment of Dock Diving, the handler tosses a toy into a pool for their dog to retrieve. The dog that …
You Make The Diagnosis: What Is Wrong With This Cat’s Mouth
The image below is a closeup of a cat’s mouth. Study the image carefully, then make your diagnosis. Is this condition painful for the cat? Diagnosis: Fractured Lower Left Canine ToothLook at the right side of the picture, next to the large upper canine tooth and you will see the remnant of the lower left …
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