Even Tigers Go to the Dentist

If you were at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on March 28, 2025, you might have seen something wild: dental care for a tiger. Dental health is an important part of overall animal wellness, especially for aging big cats like our Endangered Amur tiger, Nikita. Thanks to DZCA’s expert Veterinary Medicine team and a special partnership with Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nikita received world-class care during her exam.

Collaborative Care for Nikita

As part of Nikita’s routine checkups, our Veterinary Medicine team had been monitoring signs of chewing discomfort reported by her Animal Care Specialists. Exams showed that she had a tooth root condition called resorption, which can happen in domestic cats as well. In order to improve her comfort with chewing and due to the extent of the condition, the tooth was removed.

To ensure the best outcome, we worked with Dr. Naomi Hoyer, a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist from CSU, along with a group of veterinary students. They joined our team at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital to assist with the complex extraction.

A Comprehensive Exam From Head to Tail

In addition to her dental work, Nikita underwent a full wellness exam while under anesthesia. This included bloodwork, an ultrasound, and a full-body CT scan. This allowed our vets to check for signs of internal issues, monitor organ function, and track the effects of aging. These proactive exams are crucial to maintaining high standards of care, particularly for older animals like Nikita, who require more frequent monitoring.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look for Guests

One of the most exciting aspects of Nikita’s procedure was that it took place in the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital’s state-of-the-art treatment room. This allowed guests to watch the procedure unfold through floor-to-ceiling viewing windows while they could ask any questions to our Guest Engagement Facilitators. The experience provided a unique and powerful look into the kind of expert, compassionate care that goes on every day behind the scenes at DZCA.

Thanks to the skill and collaboration from everyone involved, Nikita recovered quickly from her procedure and is back to enjoying her habitat, enrichment activities, and favorite foods. While she may be missing a molar, she’s happier and healthier than ever.