đź”— Share this article Rescued Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Surgery The Big Cat Sanctuary A lioness named Lira receiving essential dental care to extract a badly infected tooth A three-year-old lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess. Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions. The Rescue Center Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary The procedure was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines. "Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz. He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang. "My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said. The expert 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 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches. He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected. Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "complete success." She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "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 coming days," added the curator. The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.