Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery

The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.

Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.

He thought the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the significant opening 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, curator at the facility, declared the procedure 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 "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.

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