Dental Care for a Captive Killer Whale, Orcinus orca

• Main Authors: Mark S Graham, Pierre R Dow
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Killer Whale; Orca; Orcinus orca; Killer whale
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.1044.3586

The crowns of several teeth of a captive killer whale, particularly on the mandible, were worn to the level of the pulp cavities by biting a cement structure in the pool. Food plugging partially vacant pulp cavities created intense vascularization, inflammation, and eventually a systemic focus for infection. This trauma correlated with an elevated white blood cell count. Haematology was restored to normal following regular care for the worn teeth. Patent drainage of the pulp cavity was maintained through routine brushing with a large-scale toothbrush. Administration of antibiotics was not necessary in controlling the white blood cell count.