🔗 Share this article Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Essential Dental Operation 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 the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang caused by an infection. Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, 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 surgery was performed 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 severely infected," stated the dentist. He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang. "My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said. The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, removal 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 sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches. He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue. Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "complete success." She said the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" 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 begin improving over the coming days," added the curator. The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.