Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, 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 the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was due to a injury sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection 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, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.