Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.
Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.
He thought the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing germs producing harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.
The expert clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said 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 significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving 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.
