Incredible images show a dentist operating on a lioness, extracting a massive infected canine from the 140kg big cat while she was under sedation. The three-year-old female named Lira had the 8cm tooth removed at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarsden, Kent.
Experienced dentist Peter Kertesz drained an abscess from beneath the tooth before the large wound was stitched up with seven dissolving sutures. He also carried out a root canal on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected, cleaning and filling it with materials akin to those used for humans.
Mr Kertesz, from Zoodent International, estimated that the infection was likely caused by a trauma sustained when Lira was between one-and-a-half and two years old, leading to bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.
The dentist said: “When I examined Lira’s jaw and mouth, I could see immediately that the broken tooth was severely infected. My philosophy is that non-human dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way.
“Lira doesn’t have to catch prey, so in this case, extraction was the most sensible and ethical solution. If it had been a less severe infection, I would have filled it.”
Lira was transported back to her home while still under sedation, where the anaesthetic was reversed, allowing her to wake up safely under the care of the veterinary team.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, who supervised the successful operation, said: “We had noticed a small lump on Lira’s jawline, but it is impossible for us to know the extent of the problem in situations like this. I am so glad we booked her in, as it was a much bigger issue than any of us had anticipated.
“The procedure was a complete success. Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days.”
Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary from war-ravaged Ukraine following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 for her and four other rescued lions.