Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has received vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated 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 "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.