Saved from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected fang caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was performed on last week by 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 highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the staff had spotted "a minor swelling 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 coming days," commented Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
