Kabang, a shepherd-mix who lost her snout and jaw saving two girls from an oncoming motorcycle, has been released from treatment at the veterinary medical teaching hospital at the University of California, Davis.
Kabang’s heroism and her survival from the accident inspired hundreds of people around the world to donate money for her treatment.
According to the university, reconstructive surgery on Kabang’s snout followed treatment for heartworm disease and a transmissible venereal tumor. When she was well enough to undergo surgery, veterinary surgeons removed two of her front teeth and reconstructed an eyelid.
This was followed by surgery to close her facial wound and to reconstruct nasal openings that will help Kabang form two permanent nostrils. “The surgery was long but went just as planned, in large part due to the collaborative nature of Kabang’s veterinary team,” UC Davis veterinary surgeon Boaz Arzi said.
“Because it was not possible to reconstruct Kabang’s snout and a functional upper jaw, the energetic young dog will never look like she did before her accident. However, because the facial wound has been closed, she will be better protected against infection and prepared for an active life when she returns to her family in the Philippines,” UC Davis said.
Before being cleared for release, Kabang had a complete set of vaccinations and a test to check for heartworms.
Here’s a UC Davis video of Kabang from before her surgery:
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Photo and video: University of California, Davis
