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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England 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 surgery was performed on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.

He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the large wound 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, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph."

She said the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."

"Lira 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 major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.