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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent 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 Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.

He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing germs producing harmful substances within the fang.

"The approach I follow is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

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

The Animal Rescue Facility

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 seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

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

The curator, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "complete success."

She said the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

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