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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out 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 damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."

She said the team had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.

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