Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has received vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to germs producing harmful substances 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.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal 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, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "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 coming days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.