Rescued from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a injury sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating harmful substances within the fang.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.