Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an infection.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," said the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth 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, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
