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A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.

Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, 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 dental issue was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.

"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

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

She said the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.

The successful surgery marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.