Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent female lion 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 was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The procedure was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, 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," stated Mr Kertesz.
He thought the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.
The expert explained that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She said the team had spotted "a minor swelling 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 begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.
