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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received vital oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection.

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

The Big Cat Sanctuary

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

"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was due to a injury sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs producing toxins inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

The expert clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center reported the removed fang was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

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 Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "complete success."

She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the coming days," added the curator.

The successful surgery marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her rescue from Ukraine.