Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Receives Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to extract a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on last week by veterinary 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 severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure 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 "complete success."
She noted the team had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.