Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Critical Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He thought the dental issue was due to a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs producing toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, 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 Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.