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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs producing toxins inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

The expert explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "complete success."

She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.

This vital operation marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.