Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Receives Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
