Saved from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery

The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an abscess.

Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The procedure was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs creating harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.

The expert clarified that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added Ms Smith.

The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.