New Delhi (NVI): A five-year-old white tigress at Delhi Zoo received emergency dental treatment amid the lockdown after the zoo officials observed that she was under stress and had stopped eating.
The zoo officials immediately conducted a preliminary examination of tigress ‘Sita’, which revealed swelling in the lower gum close to the lower left canine, Wildlife SOS said in a statement.
The swelling was causing the tigress immense pain and discomfort, requiring immediate medical intervention, they said.
Zoo officials consulted with experts from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly and the Wildlife SOS veterinary team to carry out digital radiography and biopsy for proper diagnosis.
There was another challenge of arranging a digital radiography machine amid lockdown. However, when the Delhi Zoo and the Central Zoo Authority contacted Wildlife SOS, a veterinary team of the organisation transported a Digital X-ray machine and a Dental X-Ray machine all the way from Agra to New Delhi.
As the lockdown prevented normal vehicular movement, the NZP Director sent a vehicle with an officer from the zoo to Agra to bring the Wildlife SOS veterinary team and the equipment. The X-Ray equipment enabled the veterinary team to examine and detect a root abscess in the lower left canine of the tiger’s jaw.
The entire medical procedure was carried out by the NZP Veterinary team and the Wildlife SOS Veterinary team working together. The abscess was drained and treated with antiseptic solution and anti-inflammatory medication. The tigress has been placed under observation and is recovering well, the Wildlife SOS said in a release.
Just like humans, animals also suffer from dental issues like Gum disease, gingivitis, broken teeth and tooth decay. In some cases, animals need root canal treatment. Wildlife SOS veterinarians have been carrying out specialized dental procedures to help tigers, bears, leopards, elephants etc.
Dr. Suneesh Buxy, IFS – DIG & Director NZP Delhi Zoo, said, “The NZP vet team and Wildlife SOS have done a good job with providing treatment. This has brought significant improvement in the overall health of the tigress. The lockdown is a difficult time, but we are doing our best to provide necessary care and treatment to our animals.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “We are happy to assist the Delhi zoo with veterinary support. Dental problems can be extremely painful for animals and may lead to further infection, if not treated immediately. We were happy to be of service to the tiger and the Delhi Zoo.”
Dr Ilayaraja, Deputy Director – Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS, said, “Big cats like tigers, are greatly dependent on their canines and the painful abscess in the lower canine was affecting the tiger’s behaviour and feeding pattern. The treatment rendered will help ease the pain.”
