🔗 Share this article Rescued from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Essential Surgery The Big Cat Sanctuary A lioness named Lira receiving essential dental care to extract a badly infected tooth A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess. The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine. The Rescue Center Amani and Lira are two of the big cats from Ukraine that arrived in March The procedure was carried out 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 damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz. He believed the infection was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing toxins within the fang. "My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he explained. The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution." The Big Cat Sanctuary Lira's extracted lower right canine tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal 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. The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "complete success." She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was." "The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith. The successful surgery marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.