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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent female lion rescued from war-torn Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an abscess.

The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

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

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was caused by a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating harmful substances inside the tooth.

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

Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.

He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "total triumph."

She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable 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 the curator.

The successful surgery represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.