Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.
Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, said the operation was a "total triumph."
She said the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
