Saved Ukrainian Lion Receives Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close 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.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
