Saved from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs creating harmful substances within the fang.
"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert clarified 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 said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at the facility, said the operation was a "total triumph."
She said the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
