Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected fang caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a root canal treatment 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 "total triumph."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
