Rescued from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He thought the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
Mr Kertesz 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 extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
