Saved from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an infection.
Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on last week 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 immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He thought the infection was due to a injury sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, curator at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable 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 arrival from the conflict area.
