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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a fundraising effort 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 performed 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 immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," stated the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing germs producing harmful substances within the fang.

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

The expert clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "complete success."

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 toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.

The successful surgery marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.