🔗 Share this article Saved from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery The Big Cat Sanctuary Lira the lioness from The Big Cat Sanctuary undergoing critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected lower right canine tooth An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess. The lioness 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 several other lions from Ukraine. The Big Cat Sanctuary Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines. "Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz. He believed the dental issue was caused by a injury sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria producing 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 said. The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option." The Big Cat Sanctuary Lira's extracted lower right canine tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures. He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected. Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "complete success." She noted the staff 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 initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented Ms Smith. This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.