🔗 Share this article

A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.

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

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was performed on Friday 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 broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.

"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

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

Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."

She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."

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

This vital operation marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.