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A Wildlife Rescue Center

An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical oral operation to extract a severely infected canine tooth caused by an abscess.

The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was carried out on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He thought the infection was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs producing toxins inside the tooth.

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

The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to extract a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He additionally conducted a root canal treatment on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

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

She said the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.

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