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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has received critical oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an infection.

Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The surgery was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.

He believed the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

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

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph."

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

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.

This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.