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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has received critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Rescue Center

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

"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria creating toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

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

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

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

Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

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

"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator.

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