Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.
Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus 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, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
