Exotics

Dental disease in large captive felids presents significant clinical and logistical challenges, particularly within the zoo setting where dedicated dental facilities are rarely available. Over a three-year period (2022–2025), we collaborated as a dental and anaesthesia team to manage seven dental procedures in species including the White Tiger (Panthera tigris), Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), North Chinese Leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis), and Jaguar (Panthera onca). Due to the absence of a purpose-built dental theatre, procedures were performed in three different zoo locations, requiring the transportation of equipment and establishment of temporary dental workspaces.
Preoperative planning relied on clinical reports, photographs, and radiographs provided by zoo staff, though definitive treatment plans often required substantial revision following intraoperative examination. Time pressure, restricted working space, and the inherent risks of anaesthesia in wild animals necessitated strict adherence to protocols ensuring safety and radiation protection. Success depended on meticulous preparation, efficient equipment setup, and—most critically—continuous, transparent communication between dental and anaesthesia teams. Coordination extended from preliminary planning through intraoperative management to post-procedure debriefing, with precise scheduling essential to balance anaesthetic duration and procedural requirements.
Our experiences underscore that interdisciplinary collaboration is central to achieving optimal outcomes in zoological dentistry. By sharing expertise and fostering a framework of mutual learning, veterinary professionals can address the unique challenges of providing advanced dental care to large felids in the zoo setting. This presentation summarizes the challenges encountered and the experiences gained in organizing and performing complex dental procedures on large felids under zoo conditions.

Apexification in a Mandibular Canine Tooth of a Hyena Following Failed Endodontic Therapy

Extraction of a mandibular tusk in the pig is extremely challenging due to the long and curved reserve crown. The clinical crown of the mandibular tusk is present in the rostral mouth just behind the third incisor. The reserve crown courses through the mandible below the premolars and molars and then at the second or third molar the reserve crown diverges in a buccal direction to the radicular root. The radicular root is encapsulated with bone that is prominent just rostral to the masseter muscle.
A caudal releasing “J” flap is created by starting along the ventral mandible and moving dorsal along the rostral aspect the masseter muscle (this flap was first described through personal communication with Dr Jennifer Rawlinson). The incision is directed deep to the periosteum. In large overweight pigs there may be considerable subcutaneous tissue/fat to carefully dissect through to reach the periosteum. Additionally, careful dissection along the masseter muscle is indicated to avoid the facial vein/artery/nerve and parotid salivary duct. Once the flap is created, a periosteal elevator is used to elevate the flap over the encapsulated root and along the ventral mandible. Once the flap is created, a high-speed surgical drill with a carbide bur is used to remove buccal/cortical and alveolar bone to expose to apical portion of the tusk. Additional cortical bone may be removed by following the reserve crown in a coronal direction. With multiple sectioning of the reserve crown, the tusk is elevated and extracted in segments. The remaining ~2 cm of the coronal crown may be temporarily left in place to minimize oral contamination of the extraction site. Alternatively, oral extraction of the clinical crown utilizing a single releasing mucogingival flap may be performed. The large apical “J” flap is closed in three layers; the periosteum, the subcutaneous tissue/fat and the skin.

Chronic osteomyelitis secondary to an infected tusk can be very destructive as it spreads through the mandible and surrounding soft tissue structures. The extension of the disease can lead to complete loss of mandibular structure and bone. The infection may cause severe periodontal disease of the overlying premolars and molars. The disease and bone loss may become so devastating that permanent oral cutaneous fistulas develop. The disease may also spread into the medial cortex of the mandible creating complete bone loss leaving only a fibrous capsule of the mandible with a draining cutaneous fistula. A combination of xenograft and platelet rich fibrin shows great potential for management of the destructive osteomyelitis commonly associated with a chronically infected tusk.

A young walrus was presented because of a chronic abscess involving the left maxillary canine tooth, also known as the left tusk. Oral exam showed that both tusks were severely worn. To control the infection and to prevent further ones from occurring, decision was made to extract both at the same time. Equipment was collected, an anesthesiologist was contacted and the surgery was set. Two techniques were planned but after trial and error, we ended up drilling the tusks out using the same approach used with elephants.