Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received critical oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an abscess.
Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, 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 bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is non-human oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed 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 procedure was a "complete success."
She said the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
