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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has received critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

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

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.

The expert explained that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

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

The curator, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

She said the team 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 a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added the curator.

This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.