🔗 Share this article

The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.

Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was performed on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to 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 most secure manner," he explained.

Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the extracted tooth 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 multiple absorbable stitches.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared 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 determine "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore 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," added the curator.

This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.