Rescued from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.
He thought the infection was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs producing toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, curator at the facility, said the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.