Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Receives Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said the dentist.
He believed the dental issue was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus 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.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
