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A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The procedure was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing germs creating harmful substances inside the tooth.

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

Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close 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 facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

She said the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.

The successful surgery represents a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.