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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 canine tooth caused by an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing germs producing toxins inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

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

She noted the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.

This vital operation represents a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.