A world-first CT scan on a rhino suffering from toothache was successfully carried out last week at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in Onderstepoort.
The rhino named Oz has been living at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary since he became an orphan when poachers killed his mother. After his rescue, the sanctuary became his home.
Earlier in the year, his carers noticed his face swelling which became a concern. After consultation, it was determined that Oz needed a CT scan to diagnose his problem.
According to Care for Wild, their Founder and CEO, Petronel Nieuwoudt consulted with veterinarian, Dr Albertus Coetzee of West Acres Animal Hospital.
“After discussions with wildlife veterinarian Dr Jacques O’Dell and Prof Gerhard Steenkamp, veterinary dentistry specialist and maxillofacial surgeon at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, and with the support of Louis van Wyk of Wildlifevets .com the decision was made to transport the one tonne bull to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) for further investigation,” a Facebook post read.
Oz was the first ever live adult rhino in South Africa to have a CT scan – which revealed he had a tooth root abscess and the appropriate treatment was administered.
The collaboration is a landmark moment in veterinary healthcare as well as rhino care and rehabilitation. The logistical experience, information and knowledge gained from this is phenomenal progress in the fight to save a keystone species from extinction.
“We cannot save a species alone but together we can achieve remarkable things. In acknowledgement of the team of specialists who came together, we thank them for their passion, dedication and immense commitment,” Nieuwoudt said.
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