Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Receives Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
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 right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
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 under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better 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.
