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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has received vital dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess.

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

The Rescue Center

The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.

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

Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove 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, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "complete success."

She said the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.

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