After five-hour surgery, gaping wounds on hero dog Kabang's face 'repaired'

After undergoing a five-hour surgery at the University of California-Davis in the United States, the wounds on the disfigured face of Philippine hero dog Kabang have been "repaired," the group Care for Kabang reported on Thursday. Citing a post on the UC Davis website, Care for Kabang said, “Kabang underwent successful maxillofacial surgery today to repair the wound to her face.” Kabang lost her upper jaw and snout when she got in harm's way to save two young girls in Zamboanga City from being run over by a motorbike in 2011. While the girls were unharmed, Kabang’s snout and upper jaw were ripped off after being mangled on the tire of the bike. Concerned individuals, animal lovers and Karen Kenggott, Care for Kabang founder, raised over $20,000 (roughly P815,000) for Kabang's surgery and flight to the US. According to Care for Kabang, Kabang's surgery on Thursday lasted for five hours with no major problems. Doctors Boaz Arzi and Frank Verstraete, along with resident Dr. Amy Fulton, closed the gaping wound in Kabang’s upper jaw to prevent infection.

 

With the help of Dr. Bill Culp, Kabang’s nasal openings were reconstructed to allow new nostrils to form. Before Kabang could be operated on, she had to be treated for genital cancer and heartworm disease.

 

After being declared tumor- and heartworm-free, she was given the go-signal to undergo surgery.

 

She is now recovering in the hospital's intensive care unit. World's top 10 most heroic dogs Last year, Kabang was named among the world's top 10 most heroic dogs.