Keepers at Chester Zoo noticed swelling on the sides of Rico the sloth’s face, prompting an investigation that revealed two painful root abscesses.
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A team from the zoo, alongside dental experts from Newcastle University, performed a three-hour operation to remove infected tissue and seal a tooth root with special cement. The surgery was complex due to the sloth’s unique dental anatomy, but it was a success.
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“Whilst we couldn’t save both teeth, the great news is that since his procedure, the abscesses have not come back, and his latest X-ray shows his filling is still in place,” Charlotte Bentley, a zoo vet, commented.
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h/t: BBC
Photos: Chester Zoo
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