Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an abscess.
Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the infection was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
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 rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the staff had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added the curator.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
