Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, 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 root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
