Dr. Rathburn's visit to the Wild Life Sanctuary of Colorado

Lions and Tigers and Bears!

Oh My! What big teeth you have!

Tiger with a toothache

The Wild Animal Sanctuary or TWAS, is all about saving animals who are victims of America’s “Captive Wildlife Crisis!”  They criss-cross the United States and Mexico, rescuing captive exotic and endangered large carnivores who have been abused, abandoned, exploited or illegally kept.  They have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to 42 states (to some states many times) on rescue missions… and down into Mexico to save animals from dreadful circumstances, and bring them back to live in the wide open space of large acreage habitats where they have plenty of space, exceptional diets and proper veterinary care, for as long as they live. The goal for the animals they rescue is to give them a life of dignity and respect, and make their lives the way it would be if they could choose it.  TWAS also works tirelessly to educate about the causes of…and solutions to…the Captive Wildlife Crisis.

And when a Grizzly Bear gets a tooth ache who do you call....? No, don't call Dr. Rathburn! 
She's flattered but...YIKES!

The bare necessities, that's why a bear can rest at ease...

You call Peter Emily who founded The Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation (PEIVDF). PEIVDF visited the Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) in Keenesburg, CO on October 30, 2010 for their first mission to this amazing facility. TWAS recently completed construction of a beautiful veterinary clinic and operating room - well-equipped, bright, and perfect for PEIVDF teaching missions. The variety of animal breeds residing at the facility provide a very varied, hands-on curriculum for the Tuition for Missions students.

Dr. Rathburn was invited to The Wildlife Animal Sanctuary to observe the procedures that are performed on the animals there. Throughout the weekend the veterinary team at the sanctuary treated four tigers and one grizzly bear. Most of the animals required root canals and some needed teeth extracted. 

Say Aaahhhhhhh!

"It was a great weekend and I was even able to help a little. It was fascinating" 
-Dr. Rathburn

There are many places around the country that call themselves "a sanctuary", but there is really only one way to truly tell how good the facility is...GO VISIT! 
Dr. Rathburn can tell you how much fun it is to take the monumental “Mile Into The Wild” walkway which stretches over 4,800 feet in length and gives visitors access to over 290 Lion, Tigers, Bears, Wolves and other Large Carnivores roaming freely in natural habitats. 

Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado

I bet you'll be humming this the whole time...

Dental Caries in Young Children

THE INCIDENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG VERY YOUNG CHILDREN-BETWEEN THE AGES OF 2 YEARS AND 5 YEARS-HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS…..



The incidence of caries overall has been declining, unfortunately, this is not the case among very young children. Fluoride is one of the most important tools in the fight against dental caries and, when used in conjunction with additional strategies, can make a significant impact in the reduction of caries rates in this patient population.


Some of the reasons for this increase are:


*Rise in consumption of fermentable carbohydrates… ie; Soda, juices, candy, sugary snacks.


*Although, they may see a pediatrician, they don’t see a dental professional until they are significantly older.


*Lower socioeconomic status.


*Vertical transmission of bacteria from mother/caregiver to child.


*Living in nonfluoridated community.


Caries is a totally preventable disease and starting prevention efforts early is the key.


*Children between 2 and 6 years old should use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste


*Professional application of fluoride varnish or gel is very effective in caries prevention


Caries risk varies over time and so our young patients need to be consistently reassessed and monitored. Regularly visits to the dentist every 6 months, x-rays at recommended intervals, fluoride treatment as needed and education are the best way to reduce the incidence of this very preventable disease…….. To be continued………..