Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery

A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was due to a trauma experienced more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing toxins within the fang.

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

Mr Kertesz clarified 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 said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "complete success."

She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

This vital operation marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.