Webinar

Oral pain in captive wild animals: “They are still eating so this does not hurt!” Debunking the myth

Veterinary professionals
Pharmacists

Wildlife Veterinary Medicine
Wildlife Dentistry

This webinar will examine the common perception that wild animals in captivity do not experience oral or dental pain. It will explore whether this belief reflects limitations in pain expression by these animals, or more likely, gaps in our understanding and recognition of the often subtle and nonspecific clinical signs they exhibit.

Recognising this phenomenon is essential, as it has important implications for clinical decision-making. The webinar will highlight the responsibility of veterinarians and animal carers to adapt diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and management plans to ensure optimal oral health and welfare for captive wild animals.

 English only
  Veterinary professionals (target audience), Pharmacists
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Why should I take this course?

  • Understand the fundamental anatomy and innervation of the oral cavity accorss mammalian species

  • Recognize the neurological and physiological basis of oral pain, as well as the clinical and behavioral signs, in wildlife species
  • Explore evolutionary and instinctual influences on pain expression in different species

  • Discuss diagnostic and management approaches for oral pain in zoo animals

Course Lessons

Meet your instructor

Dr. Gerhard Putter

Gerhard Putter qualified in South Africa with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree from the University of Pretoria in 1984. He was admitted as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1998.

For more than two decades, Dr Putter has focused his professional practice on veterinary dentistry. He has been a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Veteri-nary Dentistry and Oral Surgery) since 2014. In 2018, he became a Diplomate of the European Vet-erinary Dental College and is a recognised specialist in veterinary dentistry by both the European and Royal Veterinary Colleges.

Dr Putter is currently Head of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at DWR Veterinary Referrals near Cambridge, United Kingdom, and serves as an Associate Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham. He has extensive experience and a particular interest in the dentistry and oral health care of wild animals in captivity.