Saved from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He thought the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
