Rescued from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on Friday 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 believed the dental issue was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing germs producing toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, removal 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 close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at the facility, declared 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 determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.