Great Plains Zoo Tiger gets Root Canal [VIDEO]

How do you do a root canal on a tiger?  Very Carefully!

Zookeepers at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls noticed something in six year old Keeza's dental check up that was cause for concern, an absess that was growing into an infection.  The Zoo’s Veterinarian, Dr. Anne Burgdorf, connected with two oral surgeons, Dr. Denis Miller and Dr. Louis George, both of Siouxland Oral Surgery and created a strategy to perform the root canal that would be safe for both man and beast.  The procedure on the 319 pound Amur Tiger was a success.

Elizabeth Whealy, President and CEO of the zoo talks about each animals care:

The health and well-being of the 1,000 animals we care for here at the Zoo is our top priority. Our highly-trained animal team has collaborated with Dr. Miller and Dr. George on several successful dental procedures and we’re proud to work beside them to provide top-notch care for our animals.

Dr. Miller and Dr. George previously worked with Zoo staff to perform dental procedures on an Amur Tiger in June 2014, a Red Wolf in December 2014, and a Snow Leopard in December 2015.

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