Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"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 dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.
"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert clarified 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 said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented the curator.
This vital operation marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
