[Battle Axe]

Does anyone remember the show about the Mercats? They had collared Flower the head female of a band and followed her for some time. Although I enjoyed the show and loved learning about this little animal, I believe that the collar eventually killed Flower.

She was bitten by a puff adder, a natural enemy of the Mercat. Her throat swelled to the point that the collar suffocated her. I do not believe she died from the snake bite, but rather from the collar not letting her neck expand.

Could we get a Freeper veterinarian to comment? BA

[afraidfortherepublic]

Ping to comment #16. Can you shed light on this?

[midnightcat]

I’m not a vet but I can believe the swelling could do serious damage. My Jack Russell Terrier was bitten by a baby cottonmouth in the face and had terrible swelling. The vet had her in the hospital for a few days.

[vetvetdoug]

It is a credible hypothesis. The constriction from the collar versus the oedema caused by the snake bite could have impaired circulation and the airway.

I had the honor of cleaning a Snow Leopard's teeth that was kept at the Knoxville Zoo. One can get a real appreciation of the size of the cat and the teeth when one is up close and personal with the working end of the cat.

[united1000]

I really enjoyed the show.