Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an infection.
Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to germs creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
