🔗 Share this article Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Dental Operation The Big Cat Sanctuary A lioness named Lira receiving essential dental care to extract a badly infected tooth A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection. Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions. The Rescue Center Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats. "Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz. He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating toxins inside the tooth. "The approach I follow is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said. Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option." The Animal Rescue Facility The removed fang measured 8 centimeters, equivalent to 3.14 inches The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures. He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue. Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "complete success." She noted the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem." "Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials 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.