Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.
Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.
"The approach I follow is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.
The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
The successful surgery marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.