Saved from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery

The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has received vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.

Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing germs producing toxins within the fang.

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

The expert explained that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said 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 seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "complete success."

She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented the curator.

The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.