Bengal tiger undergoes root canal surgery
Sinchana underwent a nearly three-hour root canal procedure.
A four-year-old Bengal tiger is recovering after undergoing a rare root canal surgery to preserve her canine tooth.
Sinchana had been diagnosed with a damaged canine tooth by Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP), which had been caused by cage biting.
Following Sinchana’s diagnosis, the BBP veterinary team collaborated with Wildlife SOS to evaluate her condition. Together, they developed a treatment plan for her.
The two teams opted to jointly perform a nearly three-hour root canal procedure on Sinchana’s tooth. The operation, performed at the operating theatre of Wildlife SOS’s Bannerughatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), enabled the Bengal tiger’s tooth to be saved rather than being extracted.
The veterinary teams agree that this was the best possible outcome for the tiger’s long-term health and welfare.
Sinchana has since recovered from the procedure, with no complications. She is now receiving post-operative care under the supervision of the BBP veterinary team.
Canine teeth are essential in a tiger’s everyday life, ensuring it can grasp and tear at food. If left untreated, severe dental injuries can result in chronic pain, infection, reduced appetite, declining health and compromised welfare.
BBP and Wildlife SOS say the success of this procedure demonstrates the strong partnership and expertise they share while delivering specialised veterinary care for wildlife. Through their collaboration, Sinchana has been able to retain her natural anatomy and normal feeding function.
A.V. Surya Sen, IFS, Executive Director, Bannerughatta Biological Park, said: “The welfare of every animal at Bannerughatta Biological Park is our foremost responsibility. When Sinchana’s dental injury was identified, we sought specialised veterinary expertise from Wildlife SOS to ensure she received the best possible care.
“Choosing a root canal over extraction was the right decision for her long-term wellbeing, and we are delighted to see her recovering so well. This successful outcome reflects the value of strong collaboration in advancing wildlife healthcare.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, said: “Performing a root canal on a tigress is among the most challenging procedures in wildlife dentistry. While extracting the tooth would have been the easier option, preserving it offered Sinchana the best chance of maintaining normal function and long-term wellbeing.
“We are pleased that the surgery was successful and grateful to Bannerghatta Biological Park for entrusting us with her care.”
Image © Wildlife SOS
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