Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has received critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.
Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria producing 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 explained.
Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz 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 corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
