🔗 Share this article Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Essential Surgery The Big Cat Sanctuary A lioness named Lira receiving essential dental care to extract a badly infected tooth A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess. The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions. The Big Cat Sanctuary Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary The procedure 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 immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said the dentist. He thought the infection was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating harmful substances inside the tooth. "The approach I follow is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said. Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution." The Big Cat Sanctuary The removed fang measured 8 centimeters, equivalent to 3.14 inches The sanctuary said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures. He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue. The curator, 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 assess "how serious the condition was." "Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator. This vital operation marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.