Rescued from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing germs producing toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.
Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"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 Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
