Saved Ukrainian Lioness Receives Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.
The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" 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 begin improving 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.
