Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an infection.
Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on last week 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 severely infected," said the dentist.
He thought the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
