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A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth caused by an abscess.

Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised 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 an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

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

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

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

The curator, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."

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

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better 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.