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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.

The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The procedure was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs producing harmful substances within the fang.

"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

The expert explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph."

She said the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented the curator.

This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.