An Elephant Goes to the Dentist…
Posted at 2:39 pm December 8, 2009 by Jenny MehlowWhat might sound like the opening of a joke, “An elephant goes to the dentist,” was serious business last week at the San Diego Zoo. Jewel, an Asian elephant, had a lower molar that wasn’t wearing properly and was hindering her eating.
So, to remedy this, and to get her back to eating properly, the San Diego Zoo brought a dentist to her. Well, actually, we brought in an entire team. See video
There were more than 30 people—made up of the elephant keepers, veterinarians, vets techs, and dental experts—who took part in the procedure. It took months of planning, dozens of meetings, and a full dress rehearsal the day before the procedure to make sure all went smoothly.
For an outsider, this was amazing to watch. I knew many of the people who had come together for this procedure, but rarely did I see so many of them in the same place at the same time. And then there were the people I didn’t know.
Dave Fagan, D.D.S., from The Colyer Institute, was the primary dentist on this procedure. He was also kind enough to give me a crash course on elephant teeth and how their diet plays a significant role in their dental heath, how their diets have changed over time, and that the teeth of Asian elephants wear a bit differently than those of African elephants.
Before I met Dr. Fagan, about all I really knew about elephant teeth was that each elephant goes through six sets of teeth in its lifetime. When an elephant works through its sixth set of teeth, it has pretty much reached the end of its life.
So, as I sat with Dr. Fagan on Tuesday morning, waiting for Jewel’s anesthetic to take effect, this is what I learned – put in my own layman terms:
Elephant teeth don’t fall out like human teeth, and they’re not shaped anything like any other teeth I’ve ever seen. Elephant teeth are long; they almost run the length of the elephant’s jaw. And they have well-defined sections within each tooth. The best way I can describe it: like the sections within an orange slice or a comb you’d use to brush your hair. All of these little sections are joined at the bottom. It’s one long tooth, about the length of a loaf of pre-sliced bread, with “perforations.”
Now, the story continues with how elephants use these teeth. Elephants grind their food. They place food between their upper and lower molars and grind on it in a circular motion. And when elephants grab their food, they also get a fair amount of sand in their mouths. And remember, their food includes large branches of trees. As they grind up branches, leaves, and some dirt and sand, over time the grinding motion and the tough nature of the food wears down the teeth and moves the teeth forward and a bit up from the gums. In theory, when the tooth is pushed forward and up by the elephant’s regular grinding of food, the small, perforated sections of the teeth break off, making room for the rest of the tooth and ultimately the next molar.
But this grinding and wearing down of the molar wasn’t happening with Jewel. Her bottom right molar had been pushed up and forward, but the section that was protruding hadn’t broken off. Instead, she had an up-slope at the front of her tooth. Rather than putting the food between the molars and grinding in a circular motion, she’d been limited to a small forward and backward motion, hindered by the “hook” of the bottom molar.
About this time, my lesson ended because the anesthetic had kicked in and the team was ready to start the procedure. As I watched from the viewing area, the mattress team was called in. Mattress team? Never knew we had a mattress team!
But that mattress team played a vital role in Jewel’s comfort. Staff laid down several mattresses and guided Jewel onto the padding for her dental checkup. Once she was down on her right side, animal care staff placed inner tubes between her legs to keep her legs spaced and to make sure that her joints weren’t under pressure.
Every person in the Zoo’s Conrad Prebys Elephant Care Center that morning knew their role, and it all appeared to be executed flawlessly. The 30 people moved around the room like a well-rehearsed dance troupe.
Bales of hay were brought in and covered with clean towels to serve as tables for the doctors and vets. All of the tools were laid out, and cameras were quickly put into position to help see inside Jewel’s mouth.
Elephants have surprisingly small mouths. The way it was explained to me was that the dental team would only be able to open her mouth several inches. The team would be trying to work in a space about the size of the trash can at my desk, 18 inches (45 centimeters) or so. Big animal, small mouth.
While the dentist and vets were working in her mouth, the other 25 or so people in the elephant care center were taking advantage of the opportunity to complete other procedures on Jewel. While she was under the anesthetic, veterinarians completed a rectal ultrasound (no abnormalities noted), some basic foot care (trimmed her foot pads, cuticles and nails), and administered her rabies and tetanus shots. Animal care staff also took a blood and urine sample for analysis.
The entire procedure was beautifully choreographed with everyone working together to make it a success. The dental procedure and the secondary procedures took about two hours. The “hook” from the molar was removed.
I wasn’t there when Jewel woke up from the procedure but was told that once she was standing again, she took her trunk and felt inside her mouth, checking out the work. I found this endearing, because I think that we humans do the same thing: our tongues go to that space in our mouths when we lose a tooth as a child.
Throughout the whole procedure, the one emotion I felt most strongly was pride. I was proud that the San Diego Zoo had been asked to take care of this elephant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). I am proud that we have the staff and resources that could complete such a critical procedure for Jewel. And proud that I work for an organization that has so much community support and believes in making the lives of elephants better.
Jenny Mehlow is a public relations representative for the San Diego Zoo.
Update: The Zoo’s elephants are scheduled to have a Snow Day on Wednesday, December 16. We hope you can come and watch the fun!
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December 8th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Jenny I couldn’t stop reading your blog until the very end. Teamwork makes the world go round as they say. Will Jewels food be restricted to softer types until her gum toughens up? For long?
December 8th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
That was absolutely fascinating. Thank you for sharing. I’m real proud of SDZ also!
December 8th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
i am proud of you and the san diego zoo. i am especially happy for Jewel and hope she recovers quickly and is eating like an elephant. kudos to all
December 8th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Your last paragraph sums it up perfectly, Jenny. I believe all of us members are incredibly proud of our zooogical society and the many, many functions it performs, not only here in San Diego, but world-wide. Kudos and blessings to the elephant team, the vets, and the dentists who made life so much better for Jewel!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Thank you, this was very interesting and informative. I wish zoos would do more things like this to rescue animals in need like Tina and Jewel rather than breed more in captivity.
December 9th, 2009 at 5:31 am
God bless everyone at SDZ for taking such wonderful care of Jewel and Tina. And God Bless IDA and everyone who worked and prayed so hard to get them away from Leggett, Texas, and away from their lives of suffering and into this wonderful new world. But our work is not done yet – precious Queenie is still left behind in Leggett – awaiting her miracle of freedom! Please don’t forget her!!!
December 9th, 2009 at 5:42 am
AMAZING!!
December 9th, 2009 at 5:48 am
Jenny I saw the exam on the video screen prior to reading your blog…. I must say the video was WONDERFUL… The total care that everyone there showed on their faces while making sure this “not so small but just a little fluffy lady” was comfortable was a true blessing. However, then I read your blog… You went above and beyond in the way you explained it! You brought tears to my eyes thinking of the team and how much they CARE for the animals there! It is easy for a outsider to see how much the staff there feels about animals.. thinking that it’s all vets and people that get to “play” with the animals (you know the trainers…)
But then you HONOR we lessor humans… that just love animals and it makes it easy to see Everyone there has a true love for all animals! Granted I just can’t see how anyone can love up to a snake or a spider.. but HEY I am forgiving… Just as long as they keep them away from me… or don’t get mad if they get stepped on…. HARD… As a (warm blooded) animal lover.. I would like to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your post and for each and every member of the staff there at the zoo Thank you as well! My next visit to the West Coast… I WILL BE THERE!!! I would SO love to meet each of the people that I get to read about and see on the videos! You all make me proud to just be human! Thanks again! Tina
December 9th, 2009 at 8:13 am
I’m very happy that Jewel has access to the care she needs to thrive in her new home. It’s good to know that everyone at SDZ cares so much for animals and stepped in to ease Jewel’s discomfort.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I love to read your blogs.. everytime I read one I learn something interesting or new.. I love the way sdz takes care of it’s animals…Jewel and Tina are in the best place a captive elephant could be..Also what about the third
elephant that was with them?? Has there been any progress in helping her???
I love all your elephants and cannot wait to hear of the 3 births in 2010..May the births be uneventful for the moms and healthy for moms and calves…………..
Happy Holidays from South Carolina,
December 9th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Incredible. This blog, along with the video, tells a fantastic story–and it’s just a tiny glimpse into the inner workings of the work, the tasks, the dedication of vets and staff at the San Diego Zoo. I am thinking good thoughts that Jewel is feeling great and is establishing a normal routine during mealtimes. Thank you for a beautifully written blog. I have learned so much.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Pride is an understatement. The USDA knew that SDZ would be the best place for Tina and Jewel to receive the world’s best elephant care that they so urgently needed. SDZ has come through and the elephants are responding to the TLC and Veterinary care quickly. It sounds like their compromised bodies are responding well to the their treatment, that they are starting to make new elephant and human friends, and the happy ending the USDA hoped for is coming about quickly.
I hope to meet the girls when I visit in early January 2010.
Thanks for sharing your experience from a lay persons’s point of view.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I was mesmerized as I watched the video yesterday, The way everything was done to insure the comfort and safety of the animal was amazing. I couldn’t believe the team work that was involved and how everything just fell into place. Jenny you and everyone else have every right to be proud of the job you do and the way that you do it. Jewel had such a hard start in her life and now with your help she will be able for the first time to enjoy a simple thing such as eating. Keep on doing what you do because the blessings will come back to you.
December 9th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Wonderful, wonderful blog. Thank you very much for the info.
December 9th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Absolutely fascinating! Thank-you for the blog.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Lee in Vancouver – actually, they’re putting her back on the hard stuff now that the procedure is done. It’s possible that her food might have been too “soft” and thus the reason her teeth weren’t wearing down properly.
The team had a post-op meeting to review all the elements of the procedure. During that meeting, Dr. Oosterhuis asked keepers to start giving Jewel small branches as part of her diet. -Jenny
December 9th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I must have it timed J-U-S-T R-I-G-H-T. Everytime I look at Elephant Cam… all I see are the TWO-LEGGED ‘animals’ in there. Didn’t know that elephants could push around wheelbarrows! HEE! HEE!
Moderator’s note: Yes, we have them well trained
December 9th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Oh this just a wonderful entry on the elephants! I love how coordinated all the SDZ vet and care staff are in the effort to remove the “hook”! Not to mention that more than one task got accomplished during the entire procedure!!! This is absolutely amazing and lovely!
December 9th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Wish there were cams for snow day,………..would love to see that. I was at the zoo recently and was totally amazed at the size of the new elephant exhibit! Great work.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing the info and the video. I look forward to good progress reports on Jewel.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:46 am
I hope you can answer this before Friday…will we get a “raincheck” on snow day since it’s predicted to rain or is the plan to go ahead and with the event? And what time of day will be best for viewing the snowfall?
Thank you and hope everyone stays dry!
Moderator’s note: We are hoping it will “snow” even if it rains
The snow will be blown into the elephants’ exhibits before the Zoo opens, so we can get the machinery out of the way for our guests. Best time for viewing would be just after the Zoo opens at 9 a.m. If there is a huge storm that would prevent our plans, then we would have to reschedule.
Update: I’ve just learned that snow has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 16, due to possible rain on the original date of Friday, December 11.
December 10th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
What a wonderful thing you’ve done for Jewel. Like Lee #1, I was riveted to this blog right to the end. You learn something new every day. Hope the elephants enjoy their snow day.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Like everyone I was in awe watching the video! Amazing and what a learning experience. Thank you so much for what you are doing for these two girls, I’m thrilled that they are now being so well taken care of and so loved. You should all be very proud!
December 10th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
This video was just phenomenal! Thank you all again for providing us a window into your world. Hoping Jewel will soon gain her needed weight. She must be so appreciative of all of your efforts. Wish I could send you some of our snow for the elephants!
Moderator’s note: We do too–it would be a lot less expensive
December 11th, 2009 at 3:24 am
Is the snow for all of the elephants? Will I get to see Tina and Jewel in the snow? I was born and raised in San Diego so am not too familiar with “snow” … but have seen (on TV) a lot of people slip in the snow. What if an elephant slips and falls? Is that possible? Thank you soooo much for the very informative message above. I loved learning more about elephant teeth. We live in such a marvelous world, don’t we!
December 11th, 2009 at 3:27 am
I just realized December 16th is the day before my final in school. What a great incentive for me to get busy and study … so I can take a break and treat myself to a morning at the Zoo. I can’t wait…..
December 11th, 2009 at 4:23 am
Thank you for the snow update. Looking forward to Wednesday!
December 11th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
#25 Becky of San Diego
Yes, all of the elephants will have access to the snow. Most of the snow will be blown into the exhibit area by the large pool and the exhibit area across from the Sabertooth Grill. Tina and Jewel will have a special patch of their own to enjoy. The snow will have hidden goodies placed by the keepers. We anticipate that the elephants will dig in the snow with their trunks, not walk in it. Come check it out! For those who can’t be there for snow day, our videographer will capture the fun.
December 12th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Sorry I missed the snow for the elephants. I hope you captured it on video, or one of the guests did and will post it on youtube.
Moderator’s note: We had to reschedule due to rain. Snow day is now set for Wednesday, December 16. Our videographer will be there!
December 12th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Thank you Jenny. That makes a lot more sense than what I was picturing in my mind!!
December 13th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Thanks for the update about the change in snow date. It appeared to have rained really hard and that would have melted the snow very quickly.
December 15th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Thank you for a wonderful blog. I’m glad that Jewel is so well taken care of. Is there a chance of an update on her condition? Is she eating well? Does she have any pain from the procedure? What was Tina’s reaction when they were reunited?
Victoria responds: She was treated with pain medication for five days after the procedure. Jewel did touch the tooth area with her trunk, so she did feel it. She is eating well now. Jewel and Tina were happy to see each other after the procedure, touching and talking. They spend their time with fence-line access to the other elephants. Tembo and Jewel appear to have a friendship forming.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:55 am
WOW!!! good info– I too, have been told I have a small mouth inside,even though I have been called a big mouth many a time! Hope our girl heals quickly and can chew with the best of em!
December 16th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Thanks for the update, Victoria. Can’t wait to see Jewel gain some much needed weight AND that she is making new friends.
December 17th, 2009 at 10:17 am
cant wait to hear about snow day….hint hint
Moderator’s note: One of our keepers has promised to write a post about it.
December 17th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Who is the new elephant in the old Asian yard at the Park/
Moderator’s note: His name is Msholo. Here’s a press release about his arrival at the Wild Animal Park.
December 18th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Love the video of Snow Day at Elephant Odyssey. How did Tina and Jewel like their private snow “mountain?” The others seemed to really enjoy the enrichment of finding their food treats in the “snow.”
December 20th, 2009 at 7:37 am
Any updates on the pregnancies at WAP and when they are due?
Moderator’s note: Three elephants are expecting in 2010. It should be an exciting year!
December 20th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Hi! Just got on the elliecam, and it was nice to see the elephants AND the mule deer on the cam at the same time! I also saw a few of the elephants head over to the small house. Looked like there was something there that got their attention! I wonder what it was; anybody have any ideas?
Read your update about Jewel and her dental appointment. Glad that she’s eating and feeling better, and that Jewel and Tina are back together again. I also saw the vid of the ellies’ snow day that they had last week! They were having some fun with the snow as well as digging for their treats and food out of that snow pile! Was snow day both at EO and WAP for all of the ellies? Hope so!
Looking for a new update about the ellie kids. How are the 3 pregnant moms doing so far? Would like an update on them as well.
Gonna go and check the ellie cam. Will check back later on!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
Moderator’s note: Snow was for the Zoo’s elephants only. Maybe next time…
December 21st, 2009 at 10:01 am
Was intrigued to see the mule deer in the exhibit today while the keepers were there. They sure are a cheeky bunch : )
December 21st, 2009 at 4:20 pm
One ellie out now sharing snacks with one muly! Brave little deer.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
What will Mahbu think about having a new bull elephant around? Will they be together, or are you going to split the herd into “Mahbu’s group” and “Msholo’s group”?
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Whoops! I reread the press release and it sounds like the ellies will be split into two herds.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Umgani was the first female to have 2 babies and activity recently indicates she will be the first to have 3 babies. With her first birth September 11, 2006, and second birth March 13, 2009, and 22 months to give birth, she would have had to be pregnant in May 2007 when Khosi was only 8 months old. With 3 elephants expecting next year and with Mabu having been very busy (I believe all eligible females are pregnant at this time) it might be at least a year before either male could see any activity. Re 42. There will never be two active males in one herd.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of the elephants at EO and WAP; to the keepers, staff, vets, too! Have a very nice day with your family and friends!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
December 25th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Thank you for taking so good care of Jewel and Tina. I am still very concerned about the third elephant -Queenie- that was left behind. Can the SD zoo influence the politics of ensuring Queenie is confiscated and sent to a facility that will take good care of her?? Would the SD zoo be willing to help this poor elephant be sent somewhere where it can thrive and live in peace for the rest of its life?
Moderator’s note: We appreciate your interest in elephants; however, the San Diego Zoo is not an enforcement agency and does not have information regarding the status of elephants not in our care.
December 25th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Re 44: Don do you work at the WAP? You seem to be quite the expert.
December 26th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Re 47: I’ve been going to the WAP for about 20 years. After Moose was born February 23, 2004, I started watching these baby elephants and their antics. They are hilarious as they try to learn to use their trunks from twirling them to stepping on them to pull them off. I have been to see all the other baby elephants as soon as I learned of their births. There has never been anything more exciting than watching them as they have played together over the last nearly 6 years. Climbing over logs, running, getting muddy, playing in the pool, and interacting with the keepers are all fun things to watch. Can hardly wait for the next 3 due next year between about February and June. The African Elephant keepers really enjoy working with all their elephants and their offspring and do a great job hiding treats for them to hunt for. It’s fun to watch them as they slowly demolish a pile of loose dirt to get goodies or just to play in. Perhaps more than you wanted to know, but this is the website to see some of this action for yourself. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, the elephants, the keepers, and everyone involved in the preservation of these animals.
December 28th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
With the anticipated addition of more calves, and knowing that SDZ/WAP is first rate in animal care and in protection of endangered species, I was wondering what the plans are, if you are at liberty to say at this time, for all these little ones? It is sad to think this group of elephants might not have had to opportunity to continue without the efforts of SDZ.
Moderator’s note: That’s still a long time away, as the calves don’t reach maturity until they are 8 or 9 years old.
December 29th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I have had a lot of the same experiences as Don, and it also started with watching Moosie as a baby, and watching a herd become a family. In the same vein I have concerns about splitting them up.
December 29th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
What a fantastic time I had at the WAP today! That enrichment program starting at 11:30 a.m. in the African Elephant area was fabulous. What a tremendous amount of effort you caretakers used to create the cardboard creatures and Ingadze just loved to knock them over and stomp on them. Only got about 12 minutes of video which I will share with you the next time I come. Was especially fun watching the placement of the cardboard creatures and watching them being stuffed with enrichment by the keepers. Umgane, Khosi, and Ingadze sure got their share of the creatures knocked down and stomped on in a lot less time than it took to put them in place. Betty and I want to thank you so very much for the fabulous experience you shared with us and with all the other visitors that were at the elephant overlook.
January 3rd, 2010 at 8:33 am
I was there for the enrichment program on Thursday, and I echo Don’s comments.And a good crowd also enjoyed watching the Ele’s.
January 4th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I enjoy ALL of the zoo blogs – thank you! I was wondering if we could get an update on Jewel and Tina – it’s been several weeks since Jewel’s surgery. (Perhaps even a video of them meeting the rest of the herd over the fence!?)
January 7th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Neat snow video! I was watching an elephant on the cam today eating mud-looked strange!
January 7th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I’m in “getting caught up on blogs” mode again. Thank you so much for your description of the dental process on Jewel. Loved the way you presented it all right down to the “mattress team”! You have a way with words that makes one want to keep reading; no just skipping through the blog. Keep up the good work! Thank you also Jenny and Victoria too for the extra info in answering blog questions. Good to know that Jewel and Tina so enjoyed their reunion. Thank you guys for all you do!!