PREVIEW

Veterinary dentists in Cincinnati have had some tricky customers this summer, as a tiger and cheetah from Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden went in for root canal procedures. Veterinarians identified dental issues in Zero, an 8-year-old Malayan tiger, and Barafu, a 5-year-old cheetah, during routine physical examinations. Following these assessments, it was determined that both big cats required root canal procedures. These were expertly carried out by Dr. Jamie Berning, a veterinary dental specialist from Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of Ohio. The surgeries were conducted consecutively, with Barafu also needing two extractions alongside the root canal. Zero required root canals on two of his canine teeth. “Dental health contributes greatly to longevity, and our hope is that these procedures will extend the lives of these animals and improve their quality of life,” Dr. Jessica Heinz, a vet at the zoo said. “Both cats recovered quite well post-op and are back to their normal routines.” Barafu resides at the Zoo's off-site breeding facility, where he plays a crucial role in the conservation of his endangered species. Visitors can admire Zero's striking smile at the Cincinnati Zoo itself.