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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an abscess.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was carried out on last week by veterinary 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 broken tooth was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.

"The approach I follow is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The sanctuary said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

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

She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith.

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