Saved from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery

The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on Friday by veterinary 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 caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to germs creating toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound 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, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "complete success."

She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.