Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has received vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on Friday by veterinary 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 the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was due to a injury sustained over twelve months back, causing germs producing toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
