Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
Mr Kertesz 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 extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff 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 toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
