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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness saved from war-torn Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an infection.

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

The Rescue Center

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

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was due to a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing germs producing toxins within the fang.

"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.

The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.

He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the operation was a "total triumph."

She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.

The successful surgery marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.