Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang caused by an infection.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was carried out on last week by 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 damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.
He thought the infection was due to a trauma experienced more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
