Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has received vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove 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, said the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
