Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Receives Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an abscess.
The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery 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 immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He thought the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the team had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
