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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, leading to germs creating harmful substances within the fang.

"The approach I follow is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.

He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

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

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented the curator.

This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.