Rescued from Ukraine Lion Receives Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has received critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
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 highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing germs creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
