Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Surgery

The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.

The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The surgery was carried out on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, 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 infection was caused by a trauma experienced more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

The expert explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

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

She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness 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," added the curator.

This vital operation marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.