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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an abscess.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The procedure was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.

He believed the dental issue was due to a injury sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs creating harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he said.

Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

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

Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the operation was a "complete success."

She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.

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