🔗 Share this article Saved from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery A Wildlife Rescue Center Lira the lioness from The Big Cat Sanctuary undergoing critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected lower right canine tooth A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess. The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised £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 Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats. "Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz. He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang. "My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said. The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option." The Big Cat Sanctuary The removed fang measured 8 centimeters, equivalent to 3.14 inches The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures. He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected. Briony Smith, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success." She said the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was." "Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith. This vital operation marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.