Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received vital dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was performed on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, 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," said the dentist.
He believed the infection was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
The successful surgery marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
