Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented the curator.
This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
