Wombat dental check a breeze
A trip to the dentist can sometimes be stressful, but not for the wombats at Healesville Sanctuary who have been trained to waddle into a crate in preparation for their check-up.
The procedure is fuss free for Common Wombats Gem and Milo and an important way to monitor their ongoing health at the Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre.
Wombat teeth are open rooted, the same as horses, and grow continuously throughout life, so it is important to have routine check-ups.
Surgery Veterinarian Dr Meg Curnick said wombats’ teeth keep growing because they eat an abrasive diet that constantly wears teeth down.
“In the dental checks, we are making sure the teeth are lined-up perfectly and grinding correctly,” Dr Curnick said.
“If the teeth are straight this avoids abnormal growth, fractures, or sharp edges which could injure the tongue and cheeks.
“The brown stuff we find on the grinding surface of their teeth is known as secondary dentine, and that's what they use to grind food into small particles. If you saw that on human teeth you would be a little worried, but it is completely normal for wombats."
Milo’s teeth are a picture of health. However, Gem will need future dental work for a tooth fracture.
The dental check-ups were made possible thanks to Equine Veterinary Dental Surgeon Dr Paul Owens volunteering his expertise.
Voluntary crate training allows keepers and veterinarians to monitor the ongoing health of animals in the most positive, least intrusive manner.
Common Wombats are not endangered, however, road vehicles pose a threat to these animals in the wild.
Wombats can be found everywhere from the tip of Queensland down to Victoria and South Australia. They’re also common throughout Tasmania, and on Flinders Island.
Visitors can view the incredible medical procedures that take place at the Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC) via the internal glass walls of the hospital. The AWHC team treats around 2,000 wildlife patients each year.
Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au.
Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card to gain entry.