Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has received vital oral operation to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.
Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was performed 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 right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He thought the infection was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"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 coming days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
