Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said 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 large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph."
She said the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
