Rescued from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.