Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang caused by an infection.
Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing germs producing toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is non-human 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 hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth 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, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore 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.
