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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.

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

He thought the infection was caused by a injury sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.

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

Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

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

She noted the staff had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."

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

This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.