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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.

The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was performed on last week by 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 highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs producing harmful substances within the fang.

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

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

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

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "total triumph."

She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."

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

The successful surgery represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.