VIDEO: 'Hero Dog' Kabang's Snout Surgery Will Wait; UC Davis Vets Explain

Kabang gained international fame after losing her snout and upper jaw when she jumped in front of a motorcycle and saved two young girls in the Philippines.

The dog arrived at UC Davis to be evaluated last week, and it was revealed Tuesday at a press conference that she will need to be treated for two other illnesses prior to getting the snout surgery for which she was flown to UC Davis. 

At the press conference, director of UC Davis Small Animal Clinic Jane E. Sykes explained results from exams and laboratory tests that were conducted last week to evaluate Kabang's condition.

Doctors discovered that Kabang has Heartworm Infection and a vaginal tumor, both of which are "common in temperate and subtropical climates" like the Philippines. The latter is sexually transmitted, so it's also recommended that Kabang be fixed, although that's not a priority at the moment. 

Once those two issues are treated, which will likely take months, they will address Kabang's snout and upper jaw. Her condition is not expected to get worse between now and the surgery. 

UC Davis representatives said "there are no plans to fit Kabang with a "prosthetic snout" or to replace her jaw, however veterinary surgeons at UC Davis have been cautiously optimistic that they can provide surgical treatments that would help protect the dog from infection and improve her quality of life."

When asked how Kabang will eat, Sykes said dogs are actually good at adjusting to circumstances like this. As you can see in the video, Kabang still has the ability to lap up softer foods. 

What do you think of Kabang's story? 

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