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A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an abscess.

Lira was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing 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 Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," said the dentist.

He thought the infection was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.

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

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

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

The curator, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."

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

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable 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 major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.