Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an infection.
Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out 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 damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented the curator.
The successful surgery marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
