Saved from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion rescued from war-torn the war zone has received critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on Friday by veterinary 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," said the dentist.
He believed the infection was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
The successful surgery marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
