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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an abscess.

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

The Rescue Center

The procedure was performed on Friday 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 broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.

"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.

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

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

The curator, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."

She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.

The successful surgery represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.