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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an abscess.

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

The Rescue Center

The procedure 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 damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs creating toxins inside the tooth.

"The approach I follow is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

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

The curator, 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 difficult 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 begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.

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