Rescued from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs producing toxins within the fang.
"The approach I follow is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close 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.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
