The dog that lost its snout saving two little girls will have to wait a while before getting reconstructive surgery, the Associated Press reports. The Filipino dog, known to its owners as Kabang, rose to international stardom after saving her owner’s daughter and niece from a speeding motorbike, a heroic act which removed the dog’s snout and upper jaw.
Although enough money was raised to send the canine to the United States for reconstructive surgery, it would appear that the hero dog has a few more problems than veterinarians initially realized. Before the dog can receive the surgery she needs, a few more issues will need to be addressed beforehand. Once Kabang has been treated for heartworm disease and a vaginal tumor, facial reconstruction can begin.
According to the Sacramento Bee , some people have criticized the efforts to replace Kabang’s lost snout, stating that the time, energy, and money could be used to help dogs living in shelters here in the States. Dr. Jane Sykes, director of the animal hospital UC Davis, thinks the canine’s case is unique enough to deserve attention.
“I have not encountered a case like this one before,” she explained. “It’s an interesting phenomenon that has occurred with this dog. 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.”
Dr. Sykes feels the surgery will do more than restore the hero dog’s snout and jaw. “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,” she said.
To make this endeavor happen, organizations such as Animal Welfare Coalition of the Philippines, Global Animal Transport, and Philippine Airlines pooled their resources in order to raise enough money to send Kabang to the United States for surgery.
Although the dog that lost its snout may have to wait a while for a replacement, at least she’s getting the attention she needs and deserves.
