Rescued Ukrainian Lion Receives Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn the war zone 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 14 March after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was due to a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems 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 "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
