Kabang set to return home to PH

Pia Ranada

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Hero dog Kabang, who saved two young girls from a motorcycle accident, will be coming home after surgery in the United States

KABANG CURED. The gaping wound on Kabang's face was sealed through surgery. Photos courtesy of UC Davis

MANILA, Philippines – Hero dog Kabang can now return to the Philippines after 8 months of treatment at a veterinary hospital in California, USA.

Kabang won fame and the love of millions all over the world after saving two girls from a motorcycle accident in December 2011. The incident robbed her of her snout and upper jaw, leaving a gaping wound susceptible to infection.

“We were extremely pleased with the overall progress Kabang made while at UC Davis,” said Gina Davis, head of outpatient medicine at the hospital. “Kabang ideally completed each stage of treatment throughout the nearly 8 months she was with us, and it was a pleasure having her as a patient.”

AFTER SURGERY. Surgeons sealed Kabang's facial wound to protect her from infection

BEFORE SURGERY. A motorcycle accident in December 2011 left Kabang with a horrendous wound. Photo from Kabang The Hero Dog Facebook page

New complications

Last May 28, Kabang passed her final medical examination and received the health certificate that allows her to return to her family in the Philippines.

The certificate was hard-won.

Kabang was first brought to UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in October 2012 but before they could get started on closing her facial wound through surgery, the veterinarians discovered complications.

Kabang had heartworm disease and an infectious cancer called transmissible venereal cancer. It took doctors 5 months to treat. Finally in February, they deemed her well enough to undergo facial surgery.

TEAMWORK. The veterinarians and surgeons of UC Davis pose with Kabang

Triumph on the surgery table

On March 5, veterinarians began oral surgery to remove two upper teeth and reconstruct a damaged eyelid. 

The 5-hour surgery on March 27 closed Kabang’s facial wound. According to UC Davis’ press release, “skin flaps were brought forward from the top and sides of her head.” Permanent nostrils were also reconstructed.

Though her wound has already been sealed, it was not possible to reconstruct Kabang’s snout and upperjaw. She will never look the way she did before the accident.

Likely, many eagerly await Kabang’s return to the Philippines. Let’s hope Kabang is ready for a hero’s welcome. – Rappler.com

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Pia Ranada

Pia Ranada is Rappler’s Community Lead, in charge of linking our journalism with communities for impact.