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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised 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 an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.

The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The sanctuary reported 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 significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

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

She said the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," commented the curator.

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