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A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to extract a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.

Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

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

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

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

"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the procedure was a "complete success."

She noted the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.

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