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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang caused by an abscess.

Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The surgery was carried out on Friday by 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 thought the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing germs producing toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

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

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

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

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

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