Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised 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 cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a injury sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
