Rescued Ukrainian Lion Receives Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an infection.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He thought the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
