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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The procedure was carried out on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he explained.

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

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

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

The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "complete success."

She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "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," added the curator.

This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.