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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The procedure was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria producing harmful substances within the fang.

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

The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

The curator, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

She noted the team had spotted "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

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