🔗 Share this article Rescued Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery The Big Cat Sanctuary Lira the lioness from The Big Cat Sanctuary undergoing critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected lower right canine tooth An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess. The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support 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 veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats. "When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz. He thought the infection was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs producing harmful substances within the fang. "The approach I follow is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he explained. Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option." The Big Cat Sanctuary Lira's extracted lower right canine tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches. He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected. Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success." She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling 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 toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented Ms Smith. The successful surgery represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.