Rescued Ukrainian Lion Receives Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised ÂŁ500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He thought the infection was due to a injury sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
