Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary 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 highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs producing toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus 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 facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
