Rescued from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said the dentist.
He thought the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the team had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
