Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Essential Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a injury sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary said 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, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the team 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 initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
The successful surgery marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
