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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The procedure was carried out on last week by 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 severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."

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

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented the curator.

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