Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.
The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was performed on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, said the operation was a "complete success."
She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
