Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation

A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.

Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."

She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.

The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.