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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.

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

The Rescue Center

The procedure was carried out 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 broken tooth was severely infected," stated the dentist.

He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs producing toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

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

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

She said the team had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.