Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, 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," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
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 additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."
"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," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.