Otter at animal sanctuary dies after dental surgery

RICHMOND, Va. – An otter that lived with its mate at a Virginia estate and park has died unexpectedly during a dental exam.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports Ella was sent from the Maymont estate to an animal hospital after she appeared to have a toothache. Dr. Kelly Gottschalk, the veterinarian who oversaw the procedure, says Ella’s heart stopped while she was under anesthesia. Gottschalk says Ella appeared to have suffered a brain injury during the crisis.

Ella died Sunday. She was thought to be about 3 years old. Ella and her mate Louis arrived at Maymont last May after they were found raiding crawfish farms in Louisiana. A statement by Maymont says it will evaluate procedures for care before seeking a new companion for Louis.

Maymont operates a sanctuary for hundreds of animals.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com