Saved from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.
Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.
He thought the infection was caused by a trauma experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.
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 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented the curator.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
