Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after 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 last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced more than a year ago, 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 most secure manner," he explained.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close 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, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
The successful surgery represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
