Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
