Like human beings, animals too suffer from dental problems. Sita, a 5-year-old white Tigress in Delhi zoo, received emergency dental treatment amidst the lockdown emergency.
While dental pain impacts eating, sleeping and other activities in human beings, animals like tigers also face the same. It impacts their behaviour and other routine activities.
Delhi Zoo officials observed that Sita — the tigress — was under stress and had stopped eating as the painful abscess in her lower canine was affecting her behaviour.
After observing her least interest in activities, Zoo officials conducted a preliminary examination which revealed swelling in the lower gum close to the lower left canine and realised that this was causing the tigress immense pain and discomfort thus requiring immediate medical intervention to help alleviate pain.
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 however the problem was that during the lockdown how would a digital radiography machine be brought for this purpose.
Without delaying in providing treatment, the Central Zoo Authority contacted Wildlife SOS. Understanding the urgent nature of the situation, a Wildlife SOS veterinary team 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 tigers 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.
Dr. Suneesh Buxy, IFS - DIG and 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.”
Meanwhile Zoo officials are monitoring her recovery and treatment of infected area is carried out daily.
“She is active and eating without any discomfort,” a Zoo official said.