Saved from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was carried out on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.
He thought the infection was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing germs creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."
She said the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
