White tigress undergoes dental surgery in Delhi

NEW DELHI: A white tigress at the Delhi zoo had to undergo an emergency dental operation after the animal stopped eating. The 5-year-old white tigress, Sita, was operated upon by a joint team of wildlife SOS experts and the zoo veterinarians.
Zoo officials said her food intake had gone down over the last few days. A preliminary examination revealed swelling in the lower gum close to her lower left canine. The officials then consulted experts from Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly and the Wildlife SOS veterinary team to carry out digital radiography and biopsy for proper diagnosis. A digital X-ray machine and a dental X-ray machine were brought to Delhi from Agra, with the zoo director sending a vehicle himself in order to help the animal immediately.
A root abscess was detected in the lower left canine of the tigress’s jaw and a surgery was subsequently performed. The animal is recovering well. “We are doing our best to provide necessary treatment to animals even during the lockdown,” said Dr Suneesh Buxy, the zoo director.