Saved Ukrainian Lion Receives Critical Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the removed fang 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 also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "complete success."
She said the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented the curator.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
