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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.

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

The Rescue Center

The surgery was carried out on last week by veterinary 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 highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing germs creating harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

The expert 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 extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph."

She said the staff had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.

This vital operation represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.