Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
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 half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract 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.
The curator, manager at the facility, said the operation was a "total triumph."
She said the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented the curator.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
