Hero dog receives reconstructive surgery

A dog from the Philippines that lost its snout when saving two children from a motorcycle crash last year has been taken to the USA for reconstructive surgery.

Kebang, a mix-breed, got her head caught in a speeding motorcycle wheel, which ripped off her snout and upper jaw, when she walked into its path in order to save two young girls who were about to cross the road.

The dog quickly earned hero status, and when a nurse from New York heard the news, she began an internet campaign to raise enough money for Kebang to go to the USA for surgery.

Kebang received a send-off ceremony that included a motorcade with 300 dogs before her journey to California, with her vet from the Philippines, Anton Lim, after the campaign raised around $20,000 (roughly £12,500).

A team of surgeons from the University of California Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital have examined Kebang prior to a procedure called maxillofacial reconstructive surgery, involving two operations to repair the dental area and a to fix the wound on Kebang's face.

Dr Lim, who is working with the surgeons to develop a treatment plan, said: "Kebang was able to save the lives of two children, so now she needs our help - it's our turn to save her life."

It is hoped that Kebang will be able to live a long and healthy life after her treatment at the hospital, which is expected to last at least six weeks.