Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the infection was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
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, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
The successful surgery marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
