Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an infection.
Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a injury sustained over twelve months back, causing germs creating toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
