Saved from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.
Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.
The successful surgery marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
