The first ever successful CT scan on a live rhino in South Africa was recently performed when the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary and the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science teamed up.

It was described as a milestone in veterinary healthcare and diagnostic imaging, as well as rhino conservation.

According to information on Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary’s Facebook page, the white rhino, Oz, was orphaned by poachers in 2015. He was rescued and brought to the sanctuary for rehabilitation, release and ongoing protection.

“Earlier this year, rhino monitors reported an unusual swelling to his face.”

Petronel Nieuwoudt, CEO of the sanctuary, consulted with Dr Albertus Coetzee, a veterinarian at West Acres Animal Hospital.

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After discussions with wildlife veterinarian Dr Jacques O’Dell and Prof Gerhard Steenkamp, veterinary dentistry specialist and maxillofacial surgeon at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, and with the support of Louis van Wyk of Wilflifevets.com, the decision was made to transport the one-tonne bull to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) for further investigation.

The CT scan revealed a tooth root abscess and Oz received the treatment he needed. He is back at the sanctuary and is eating and drinking well.

According to the statement by the sanctuary, the logistical experience, information and knowledge gained from this procedure is “phenomenal progress in the fight to save a keystone species from extinction”.

“We cannot save a species alone but together we can achieve remarkable things.”