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A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was performed on last week by veterinary 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 Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.

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

The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal 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.

Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the operation was a "complete success."

She said the staff had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.

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