Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an abscess.
Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He thought the infection was due to a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.
The expert explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.