🔗 Share this article Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Surgery The Big Cat Sanctuary A lioness named Lira receiving essential dental care to extract a badly infected tooth A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection. The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine. The Big Cat Sanctuary Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary The procedure was performed on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, 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," stated the dentist. He thought the dental issue was caused by a injury sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth. "My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained. The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, 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 sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures. 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 "total triumph." She noted the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was." "Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added the curator. This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.