Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at the facility, said the operation was a "complete success."
She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better 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.
