Saved Ukrainian Lioness Receives Critical Dental Operation

The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.

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

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 right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.

He thought the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."

She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, 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 marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.