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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a fundraising effort by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was highly inflamed," stated the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a injury sustained over twelve months back, leading to germs producing toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.

Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and close 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, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."

She said the team had spotted "a minor swelling 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 toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

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