Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing germs creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
