Norristown, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/28/2018 -- Thanks to a group of talented experts, Elmwood Park Zoo was able to successfully remove adult female jaguar Inka's badly damaged canine tooth. The exam and dental surgery performed at this Pennsylvania zoo's facilities took just under five hours.
The incredible surgical team included Elmwood Park Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Michele Goodman, veterinary anesthesiologist Dr. Andrea Caniglia from Veterinary Dental Specialists, veterinary dental specialist Dr. John Lewis from NorthStar Vets, and Brandywine Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Erica Miller.
Inka voluntarily received a sedative due to specialized training by Elmwood Park Zoo Animal Keeper Kate Olsen and Assistant Curator Laura Fournier. After she was fully sedated, images were obtained of her skull and her mouth with a Verity® Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scanner provided by Jeff Scharff of Planmed, Inc. These scans proved that Inka's upper right canine tooth must be removed to keep her healthy.
Next, Inka was placed under general anesthesia and hooked up to monitoring equipment. The Pennsylvania zoo used a portable blood analyzer, loaned by Dr. Elizabeth McMurtrie from Spring House Animal Hospital, to sample Inka's blood gas and electrolyte levels and ensure that she was doing well while under anesthesia.
Using incredible skill and a state-of-the-art dental machine, the team was able to preserve the tissues and structures around the extracted tooth. Then, after the successful extraction, Dr. Lewis used nerve blocks to relieve any pain at the extraction site and administered two pain medications to ensure that Inka remained comfortable.
Inka is doing very well after her procedure. She will continue to heal over the next two to three weeks and will soon be able to return to her regular diet.
Elmwood Park Zoo is thankful for the many helpful people and organizations that made this surgery possible. To find out more about Inka and the Elmwood Park Zoo, please visit https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/.
About Elmwood Park Zoo
Located in Norristown, PA, the Elmwood Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Pennsylvania and is a premiere destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo features over 100 species from all over the globe. Elmwood Park Zoo offers guests both unique wildlife encounters as well as one-of-a-kind entertainment opportunities. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is owned and operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, a non-profit organization.
For more information about upcoming Zoo events, visit http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/.