Saved Ukrainian Lioness Receives Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an abscess.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria creating harmful substances within the fang.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert 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 extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
