The Donkey Sanctuary Birmingham’s oldest resident and adoption donkey Oscar is now back to his usual self, having undergone specialist dental treatment to remove two teeth that had become loose.
Oscar, 28, has lived at the sanctuary in Sutton Park since 2000, and when staff noticed he was dropping food from his mouth, they knew he was possibly having issues with his teeth.
When a donkey drops or spits semi-chewed food out of their mouth – known as quidding – it is often an indication of mouth pain or sharp edges on a tooth.
Being a typical sign that something may be wrong, staff contacted an equine dentist who confirmed the elderly donkey’s two lower canine teeth were loose, and that removal would be the best option.
All the donkeys at the Birmingham sanctuary have regular dental checks, and part of Oscar’s dental care included the removal of tartar that had started to build up on his lower teeth. It was this tartar, in addition to Oscar’s age, that caused his lower canine teeth to become loose, making it a weak spot for infection and a probable cause of pain.
Canine teeth were historically ‘fighting teeth’ and are not essential in equines. As the opposing upper and lower canines do not meet, they are of no benefit in the eating process.
Throughout the operation, Oscar’s equine assistant Georgie stayed by his side to comfort him. With his head resting on a padded cradle, he was given a local anaesthetic before specialist vet Neil Townsend gradually loosened the teeth and gently extracted them.
In the weeks following his operation, Oscar’s mouth was flushed out after every feed to ensure food did not collect in the empty sockets left by the removed teeth, and his mouth was rinsed twice weekly with a mint-flavoured mouthwash.
Oscar is one of the adoption donkeys at the Birmingham sanctuary, and a firm favourite with staff, volunteers and visitors. Known for his curious and inquisitive nature, the popular donkey is always one of the first to investigate anything new or unusual.
Now he has fully recovered and his mouth completely healed, grooms have noticed a playful spring in his step, and are delighted he is back to his old self once more.
