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The Big Cat Sanctuary

A three-year-old female lion rescued from war-torn the war zone has received vital oral operation to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.

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

The expert explained that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

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

She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.

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