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Zoo Dentistry Collaboration with Local Veterinary Specialists Helps Keep Otters Smiling

Dental care is critical to the overall health of the animals at Potter Park Zoo. As part of routine health examinations conducted by the Zoo’s Director of Animal Health, Dr. Ronan Eustace, a thorough dental evaluation is conducted and is a vital part of providing the best possible veterinary care to the animals.

During a recent exam of North American river otter Miles, it was discovered that he needed a root canal. While the veterinary staff at Potter Park Zoo is equipped to handle most dental issues, for more complicated cases the zoo benefits from the expertise of Dr. Colleen Turner, a nearby veterinary dentist. She generously volunteers her expertise at the zoo. Last week, she came out to help with the root canal on Miles. Her expertise enables the zoo to provide the best care possible to our animals, no matter how big or small they are.

 

 

“Dental disease is one of the most common problems I identify during routine examinations and correcting it can have a profound impact on an animal’s well-being. The range of dental disease at the zoo is very diverse, ranging from routine cleaning and polishing on a meerkat to advanced treatments like performing a root canal on a lion,” said Dr. Ronan.

Dental disease can cause an animal pain and discomfort but may also predispose them to developing systemic health problems like heart disease. Every day zookeepers monitor the animals for any signs of illness, including evidence of tooth problems. Despite the diligent efforts of staff, zoo animals often hide painful dental disease and regular examinations can help prevent, detect and treat dental conditions before they cause serious illness.

 

This year Potter Park Zoo’s Veterinary Department hopes to raise funds to purchase a digital dental X-ray system that would allow the zoo to perform dental digital radiographs. This equipment would increase the zoo’s ability to detect dental disorders earlier and allow earlier interventions, which would greatly benefit our animals. Please contact the zoo if you would like to donate to help the veterinary department purchase this equipment.

“By keeping our animals’ teeth in excellent condition, we can help them have long healthy lives,” said Dr. Ronan.  Animals at zoos often live longer than those in the wild, and having complete dental care is a key factor to helping them live a long happy comfortable life at Potter Park Zoo.