Vets Offer Dental Services for the Residents of Pueblo Zoo
A team of vets swapped the surgery for the zoo last week to provide dental services for the exotic residents of Pueblo Zoo.
Eight vets from the Peter Emily International Veterinary Foundation spent the day at Pueblo Zoo on Sunday. Among their patients was Barney, a 23 year old sun bear, weighing in at 227 pounds, Thor, a river otter, Copper the meerkat and Rose, a pygmy goat. Barney’s teeth were in good condition and required only basic treatment and Rose had a few teeth pulled out.
The team of vets treated a number of animals, often operating and carrying out examinations on two at a time. The Peter Emily International Veterinary Foundation, which is based in Lakewood, provides dental treatment for captive animals across the USA.
Gloria Madrill, a spokeswoman for Pueblo Zoo, said that the vets brought an X-ray machine and anaesthesia equipment to provide treatment for the animals. They carried out routine examinations and then treated any problems that were detected. The vets volunteered their time and donated the services and medication and Ms Madrill said that everyone at the zoo was very grateful.
This was the first time the vets from the foundation had visited the zoo but Madrill said that she was hoping that it could become a regular event. Kathy Wolyn, a vet at the zoo, said that the day had been a great success and with the help of the vets from the foundation, the team was able to spot and treat dental problems, which may not have been detected without the specialist equipment.
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