Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an infection.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at the facility, said 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 assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
