Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has received vital dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing germs creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," 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 extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
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 said the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
