Dog That Lost Snout Gets Second Chance in California
Veterinarians are optimistic they will be able to repair the snout of a dog that was injured in the Philippines, after it treats the pooch for a number of different ailments.
The canine, who is known as Kabang, took the internet by storm when news spread that it had saved two girls from a speeding motorcycle.
Local reports indicate that Kabang saved the young girls, one the owner's daughter and the other her niece, when the dog leapt in front of a speeding motorcycle sparing the girls from injury. Unfortunately, as a result of the accident the dog lost its snout and upper jaw.
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Veterinarians in the Philippines were unable to treat Kabang's injuries but after the story spread around the internet sympathizers halfway around the world away decided to act.
Karen Kenngott, a critical care nurse from Buffalo, N.Y., started an online campaign to raise money in order to send Kabang to the top veterinary school in the world at the University of California, Davis, according to Fox News. The veterinary school has the most expansive dental and oral surgery services in the world.
When Kabang arrived in northern California veterinarians soon discovered that the dog was suffering from other ailments as well, and those would have to be treated before they would be able to work on the dog's snout.
Veterinarians discovered that Kabang had a severe case of heartworms and that she was also suffering from a vaginal tumor. Veterinarians are confident that they will be able to treat both ailments, but that it could take up to six months before they would be able to address Kabang's snout.
Dr. Jane Sykes, director of the institution's small-animal clinic, said that when the dog is healthy enough they will close the wounds around the snout to make it easier to eat and drink and will also reduce the possibility of infection. There are no plans right now to fit the dog with a prosthetic snout
"The story has touched so many people. It's fascinating that it has attracted so much attention when, yes, there are lots of dogs in shelters, and that is a huge issue…I believe that Kabang is a great ambassador for dogs and what they can do for people. I think we owe her a service in return," Sykes told AP.
