Rescued Ukrainian Lion Receives Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected 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 cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances 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 did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the significant opening 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, curator at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
