Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He believed the infection was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira 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 the curator.
The successful surgery represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
