Rescued Ukrainian Lion Receives Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He believed the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal 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, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the staff had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
