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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital oral operation to extract a severely infected fang caused by an abscess.

Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

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

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was due to a injury sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"The approach I follow is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

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

She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "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 next few days," added Ms Smith.

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