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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.

Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The procedure was performed on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said the dentist.

He believed the dental issue was caused by a injury experienced more than a year ago, leading to germs producing harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

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

She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

This vital operation marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.