Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira 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 the curator.
The successful surgery represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.