EAST LANSING, Mich. — After a little grumbling and a good dose of anesthesia, veterinarians and staff from Michigan State University and Potter Park Zoo performed a CT scan Friday on a 12-year-old Mongoose Lemur named Philena.
Zoo staff recently discovered a lump on the nose of the animal, which has had sinus problems in the past. Tara Harrison, Potter Park Zoo’s veterinarian and curator, contacted MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine to set up the scan, which will help determine whether the lump is cancerous and detect any other health issues.
“MSU has a great veterinary program, and we are grateful to be collaborating with the team there,” Harrison said, noting the long-term relationship between the zoo and college. “Our animals receive such better care thanks to the access to all of the college’s specialists.”
The scan revealed a bony tooth abscess, which will be surgically removed by MSU veterinarians in a couple of weeks. Harrison said she’s optimistic the growth is not cancerous.
Lemurs, native to Madagascar, are extremely agile primates that usually live in small groups. Philena has been at Potter Park Zoo for more than five years.
Joining Harrison during the 90-minute procedure were MSU veterinarians Tony Pease, Jim Sikarskie and George Bohart, as well as other veterinary staff and technicians.
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