🔗 Share this article

A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.

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

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, 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 Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.

"The approach I follow is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

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

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

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

Briony Smith, manager at the facility, declared the procedure was a "complete success."

She said the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira 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 coming days," commented Ms Smith.

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