Rescued from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, 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 Mr Kertesz.
He thought the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs creating toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth 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 also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
