Saved from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The surgery was performed on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, 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," said the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
