🔗 Share this article Rescued 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 An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an infection. The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support 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 surgery was performed on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines. "When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz. He believed the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs producing harmful substances within the fang. "My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained. The expert clarified that as the lioness 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 rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches. He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue. The curator, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "complete success." She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem." "The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented Ms Smith. The successful surgery represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.