Zoo Miami Animals Receive CT Scans to Make Sure They’re in Top Health

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: August 29, 2020 10:59 pm

A koala receives a CT scan

Photo Credit: Zoo Miami/ Ron Magill

An aardvark and koala at Zoo Miami have undergone CT scans as part of the zoo’s preventative health care program. Both have potential health issues which require regular monitoring to ensure they can be treated early if they were to develop.

The CT scans provide detailed 3D images which can help vets to detect conditions which would not be visible on a standard X-ray.

A koala receives a CT scan

Photo Credit: Zoo Miami/ Ron Magill

First in to the CT scanner was a 1 year old koala named Hope. Hope is the first koala joey born at Zoo Miami in 20 years.

Koalas within the US population have been known to develop lung and nasal issues. If detected early these conditions can be treated easily. Hope received the CT scan on the recommendation of the koala species survival plan a co-operative breeding program managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Erdferkel the aardvark receives his CT scan

Photo Credit: Zoo Miami/ Ron Magill

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In good news for Hope his CT scan detected no issues and he appears to be in perfect health.

Next on the table was Erdferkel the aardvark who has a history of dental issues. An aardvarks mouth is only able to open a small amount to allow their long, thin tongue to come out and grab ants or termite. As a result of this a CT scan provides the best view of any developing dental issues.

Erdferkel the aardvark receives his health check

Photo Credit: Zoo Miami/ Ron Magill

For Erdferkel his CT scan unfortunately showed some issues which vets will need to address to through a dental procedure which is likely to take place in the fall.

Both animals were deemed to be in good general health by vets. After the procedure they returned to their enclosures where they fully recovered.

Learn more about the koala – Koala Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Zoo Miami on their website – Zoo Miami