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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness saved from conflict-ridden the war zone has received critical oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth resulting from an abscess.

Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March after a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who collected half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

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

He thought the infection was due to a injury sustained over twelve months back, leading to bacteria producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

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

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness no longer required to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

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

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.

This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.