Saved Ukrainian Lion Receives Essential Surgery

A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs creating harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."

She said the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.

This vital operation marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.