Rescued from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a injury sustained over twelve months back, leading to germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
