Rescued Ukrainian Lion Receives Critical Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating harmful substances within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had observed "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 initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
