Saved from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He thought the infection was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
