Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Essential Surgery

The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an infection.

Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.

He thought the dental issue was due to a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing germs producing harmful substances within the fang.

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

Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He also performed a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."

She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added Ms Smith.

The successful surgery represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.