Saved from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected fang caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort 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 performed on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He thought the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
