Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Essential Surgery

Lira the lioness undergoing dental surgery A Wildlife Rescue Center
A lioness named Lira receiving essential dental care to extract a badly infected tooth

An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

Amani and Lira at the sanctuary The Rescue Center
Amani and Lira are two of the big cats from Ukraine that arrived in March

The procedure was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

Lira's extracted tooth The Animal Rescue Facility
Lira's extracted lower right canine tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long

The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."

She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.

This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.

Jeremy King
Jeremy King

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