A sloth has undergone ‘groundbreaking’ endodontic dental treatment at one of the UK’s biggest zoos.
Dental experts carried out the treatment on Rico, the two-toed sloth at Chester Zoo, with help from a team at Newcastle University.
The infection was spotted after zookeepers noticed swellings on the side of his face.
Dentist Fiona Beddis said it was the first time the university’s team had carried out the procedure on a sloth. She added that it ‘really was a step into the unknown, so we are all delighted with the successful outcome’, reports BBC News.
It is believed to be the first ever endodontic treatment carried out on a sloth.
Writing on Instagram, Chester Zoo said: ‘Through dedicated training, our keepers even helped Rico voluntarily participate in his own X-rays, which have confirmed its success!’
Oral health in zoos
We recently heard from senior veterinary officer Taina Strike, who shared how London Zoo cares for the oral health of its animals and the most common dental issues she encounters.
She said: ‘Dental care at London Zoo is a vital part of our broader healthcare programme, tailored to the incredible variety of dentition in our animals. From the enormous second incisors of elephants to the tiny tooth combs of lemurs, each species has unique dental needs.
‘Herbivores like rhinos have continuously growing teeth, while carnivores like lions rely on sharp canines and our Komodo dragons naturally have iron-reinforced ziphodont dentition!
‘The veterinary team works closely with expert animal dentists who have the specialised skills and equipment to handle complex cases, supported by my colleagues, including Dr Stefan Saverimuttu, who leads much of our dentistry work at the zoo.’
She added: ‘Assessing oral health in animals is challenging. It varies greatly by species – you can’t ask them all to go “aaaah”!
‘Thanks to our dedicated keepers, veterinary nurses and welfare staff, some animals, like lions and chimpanzees, are trained through positive reinforcement to open their mouths for inspection. Though it does mean facing a lion’s very meaty breath!’
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