Saved Ukrainian Lioness Receives Critical Dental Operation

The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn the war zone has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an infection.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said the dentist.

He thought the dental issue was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.

The expert explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

The curator, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."

She noted the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.

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