Dental Procedure for Eisbärin Milana at Hannover Zoo

Hannover - Even polar bears can experience dental issues, as evidenced by the recent dental operation involving Milana, a 14-year-old polar bear at the Erlebniszoo Hannover. Milana exhibited signs of discomfort while eating and her caretakers noted a distinct bad odor emanating from her mouth, prompting immediate veterinary attention.

Veterinary professionals from the Tierärztliche Hochschule (TiHo) were called in for assistance. Veterinarian Benjamin Metje conducted an initial examination of Milana, who, thanks to the training provided by her caretakers, was able to open her mouth on command for a thorough inspection. During this evaluation, Metje identified a discolored and split upper molar that required extraction.

To prepare for the procedure, the TiHo team utilized a polar bear skull from the Landesmuseum to study the anatomical structure and root positions of the teeth more accurately. Once Milana was sedated, the surgery revealed the extent of the damage: the upper molar was indeed fractured and needed to be removed.

For Metje, this operation marked a unique occasion as it was his first experience performing surgery on a polar bear. The team set up all necessary equipment within the bear's enclosure, employing a dental X-ray machine to obtain precise images of the area. Throughout the procedure, the anesthesia remained stable, allowing for the swift removal of the problematic tooth, along with its root.

Following the operation, Milana began to recover well. Initially, her caretakers offered her small pieces of fish to prevent any discomfort as she adjusted to her new dental condition. However, she soon regained her ability to chew properly and resumed her usual feeding habits.

It is important to note that polar bears have been classified as endangered since 2006, with current estimates indicating that fewer than 25,000 individuals remain in the Arctic. Conservation efforts remain critical to ensure the survival of this iconic species.