Pioneering dental surgery at the zoo has cured Rico the sloth’s toothache
Experts believe it may be the first time the treatment has ever been carried out on a sloth.
Rico, our 25-year-old two-toed sloth, is back to his laid-back self following groundbreaking dental treatment that alleviated his toothache.
Our attentive keepers noticed unusual swellings on Rico's face, prompting a series of health checks. Advanced imaging, including a CT scan, revealed two root abscesses. To address this, we collaborated with dental experts from Newcastle University for a specialized procedure.
The three-hour surgery took place in our on-site animal care centre, where the team carefully removed infected tissue from two of Rico's specialized molars—teeth adapted for his leaf-based diet. Thanks to this intervention, one tooth was saved, and the infection was halted.
Sloths have very different teeth to humans, which makes dentistry challenging. The large sharp teeth that were affected in Rico were caniniform teeth which are highly specialised molars. Whilst we couldn’t save both teeth, the great news is that since his procedure, the abscesses have not come back, and his latest x-ray shows his filling is still in place. It’s safe to say that the treatment worked at treating his toothache.
Charlotte Bentley, Veterinary Resident at Chester Zoo
Given the complexity of Rico's dental structure, traditional root canal methods weren't feasible. Instead, the dental team performed an 'apicectomy'—accessing the tooth through the jawbone to remove the infected root tip and seal it.
A three-dimensional scan showed that routine root canal treatment would not be possible, therefore we undertook surgery to debride the abscess and complete an ‘apicectomy’. This involved removing the end of the tooth root and sealing it with a special cement.
Both abscesses cleared up within a week, and it's great that Rico remains free of any issues. It was very challenging working on a sloth due to their unique anatomy, but also a very rewarding experience!
Dave Edwards, Clinical Fellow at Newcastle University’s School of Dental Sciences
Rico's recovery and ongoing health checks are made smoother thanks to dedicated training by our Twilight Team. Through positive reinforcement, Rico has learned to respond to his name, participate in weigh-ins, and even position himself for X-rays—all at his own relaxed pace.
We are really lucky with Rico. I started working with him two or three years ago to get him used to conscious claw-checking, as they grow continuously and need trimming every few months. Rico is very food motivated, so once I found out his favourite snacks, cooked parsnips and corn kernels, it was just a case of being consistent and having lots of patience.
Brittany Williams, Keeper on the Twilight Team at Chester Zoo
Conservation efforts
Two-toed sloths, native to South America, face threats like habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. At Chester Zoo, Rico and his companion Tina are part of a vital conservation breeding programme aimed at safeguarding the species across Europe.
Rico's successful treatment is a testament to the collaborative efforts of veterinary and dental professionals, as well as the dedicated care provided by our keepers. It's a shining example of how innovative veterinary practices can enhance the well-being of the animals in our care.
Come and see how Rico is getting on!
Embark on the Secret Life of the Zoo tour and gain exclusive insights into the daily lives of our incredible animals. While we can't guarantee a sighting of Rico, you'll experience the zoo in a whole new light, guided by our passionate experts. It's a unique opportunity to witness the dedication that goes into caring for our diverse animal family.
After your tour of the zoo in the morning, you’ll be dropped off at Monsoon Forest ready for zoo opening so you can continue exploring for the rest of the day!