Saved from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out 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 immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.
He thought the infection was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs creating harmful substances within the fang.
"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
