Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed 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 immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," stated the dentist.
He thought the infection was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "complete success."
She said the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
