Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an abscess.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced more than a year ago, causing germs producing harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.
The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at the facility, said the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult 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 start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
