Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was due to a injury sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
The successful surgery represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
