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Napa dentist called to fix cheetah's teeth
Copyright 2000 Christina Guerrero, The Napa Valley Register
When Keesha contracted a sinus infection, her caretakers did what any concerned guardians would do -- they sought medical attention.
Keesha, a 7-year-old cheetah, exhibited signs of an early infection during a routine annual physical examination at Six Flags Marine World-Africa USA in Vallejo.
"What they suspected might happen, did happen," said Jayma S. Claus, D.D.S.
Dr. Laurie Gage, head veterinarian at Six Flags, explained: "A portion of a lower back tooth pierced a small hole in the roof of the mouth and caused an early sinus infection."
According to Claus, who provides general and cosmetic dental services in Napa, cheetahs have a bite that has been known to create sinus infections. The lower back teeth may grow long enough to cause tissue damage at the top of the mouth and even penetrate the palate.
Gage said, "It is a fairly common problem in cheetahs because of the arrangement of their lower jaws."
Because Keesha's sister had the same problem last year, her trainer and vet were concerned, and took the opportunity during the physical exam to check Keesha's mouth, which they discovered to be in the early stages of infection. Gage called Claus, who went to Marine World on Nov. 13.
The 80-pound cheetah was sedated. When she was ready for the examination, she was also intubated to aid her breathing, and X-rays and impressions were taken of her mouth. Claus then filed down the sharp point of the offending molar and did the same to the matching molar on the other side of Keesha's mouth, using a dental drill.
"It took about five minutes," Claus said. Afterwards, Keesha had her eyes and ears cleaned and was vaccinated, bathed and brushed by Gage and her team.
Keesha is currently residing at Marine World, and visitors will be able to see her in March, when the park re-opens.
Claus has previous experience with animal dentistry; she has also assisted with a root canal on a snow leopard. "I'd do it again, she said, when discussing services for Keesha. "I consider it an honor and a privilege to do this."
She did not charge for her services, which she did with the help of her assistants, Stephanie Burns, R.D.A. E.F. and Laurie Hooker, R.D.A.
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