Zoo Cats Undergo Root Canal Surgery

Two big cats at the Cincinnati Zoo recently got some much-needed dental work. A Malayan tiger named Zero, who is 8 years old, and a 5-year-old cheetah called Barafu both underwent root canal surgeries to fix their dental issues.

The zoo’s veterinarians discovered problems during routine check-ups, leading to these specialized procedures. Dr. Jamie Berning, a veterinary dental specialist, performed the root canals to help save their teeth.

Barafu, the cheetah, also needed to have two teeth extracted in addition to the root canal. Meanwhile, Zero required root canals for two of his canine teeth. According to Dr. Jessica Heinz from the Cincinnati Zoo, they found fractures and exposed pulp, similar to dental problems humans experience.

Recent studies have pointed out that dental issues are on the rise among captive big cats, with previous examinations revealing that a significant number were facing oral problems. In fact, this study found that in a group of 36 big cats examined, 24 showed signs of tooth fractures or other dental issues.

Dr. Heinz emphasized that maintaining good dental health is crucial for the longevity of these animals. She mentioned that they hoped these procedures would not only extend their lives but also improve their quality of life. Luckily, both Zero and Barafu appeared to recover well after their surgeries.

Visitors can still see Zero at the zoo, while Barafu is at the zoo’s breeding facility. Cheetahs are endangered, and their population has dramatically declined from about 100,000 in 1900 to just around 7,000 today. The Malayan tiger is also critically endangered, with fewer than 150 remaining in the wild.