Rescued from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Surgery
A Wildlife Rescue Center
A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," said the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues 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 catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."
"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
