Saved from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received vital 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 campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was due to a trauma experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs 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 said.
The expert clarified that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, 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 represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.