Saved Ukrainian Lioness Undergoes Critical Surgery

Lira the lioness undergoing dental surgery — Lira the lioness from The Big Cat Sanctuary undergoing critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected lower right canine tooth

A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.

Amani and Lira at the sanctuary — Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary

The procedure was performed on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.

Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

Lira's extracted tooth — Lira's extracted lower right canine tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long

The sanctuary said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

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

She said the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.

The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.

Peter Davidson

Elena is a passionate storyteller and writing coach, dedicated to helping others find their voice through engaging narratives.

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