Saved from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.
The expert explained that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the staff had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
