Abstract A young walrus was presented because of a chronic abscess involving the left maxillary canine tooth, also known as the left tusk. Oral exam showed that both tusks were severely worn. To control the infection and to prevent further ones from occurring, decision was made to extract both at the same time. Equipment was collected, an anesthesiologist was contacted and the surgery was set. Two techniques were planned but after trial and error, we ended up drilling the tusks out using the same approach used with elephants.

Introduction
A two-year-old male walrus, kept in an aquarium facility was diagnosed with a chronic facial swelling associated with apical infection of the left tusk. Oral exam revealed that both tusks were worn down close to the gums. Purulent material had been seen around the base of the left tusk. Plan was made to extract both tusks to fix the present condition and to prevent a repeat on the remaining tusk.

Planning
Because of the short clinical crown remaining, loosening the tusk using an electric hammer and an axle puller was impossible. The other possible techniques would be 1) luxation of the reserve crown by cutting the periodontal ligament with sharp chisels as far apically as possible and then rotating the tusk using a large wrench or 2) drilling the inside of the tusk with progressively enlarging drill bits until only thin walls of the tusk remain. These are then split with a chisel and the shards/segments are then removed with pliers. The apical area is curetted clean. The first technique was used for a few minutes until it became apparent that it would take much too long to achieve results. We then switched to the second technique and removed the tusk in a timely manner. Once the apical areas were curetted clean, the alveoli were obturated with chlorhexidine soaked seton drains. These fell in the first 24 hours. The surgical openings continued to granulate in slowly over several days and healed uneventfully.

Discussion
In any of those cases, one must spend most of his energy carefully planning for all eventualities. Having multiple plans ready it the only feasible way to approach these patients with minimal stress.