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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an abscess.

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

The Rescue Center

The procedure 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 infection was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure 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 noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.

This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.