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A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.

Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

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.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

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

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

The curator, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "total triumph."

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

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.

This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.