Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Critical Surgery

A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang caused by an infection.

Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

The expert clarified 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 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

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

She said the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.

This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.