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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.

The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out 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 immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.

He believed the dental issue was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.

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

Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang 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 Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph."

She said the staff had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."

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

This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.