MANILA, Philippines – The surgery of hero dog “Kabang” in the United States was put off after she was diagnosed with a sexually-transmitted disease (STD).
The dog, which suffered wounds and lost its snout after leaping in front of a motorcycle to save 2 girls, was set to undergo facial and dental surgeries.
However, veterinarians said the dog may have to undergo life-saving chemotherapy first before she can be subjected to surgery.
They said Kabang was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor and heartworm disease.
Clinical pathology reports have confirmed that the dog’s vaginal tumor appears to be in a relatively early stage and may have a good prognosis for treatment and even cure.
“Typically, these tumors are treated with chemotherapy and have a 90% survivability rate,” said Dr. Jane Sykes, an infectious disease specialist in the University of California’s small animal clinic.
Sykes added that the dog’s blood test also revealed that worms were seen in the dog’s pulmonary arteries.
She said the heartworm is not a disease seen too often in the dry climate of California, but is fairly common in more tropical areas like the Philippines.
Kabang’s treatment plan is being finalized as both of these issues must be addressed before the dog is healthy enough to undergo surgery. -- Report from Nadia Trinidad, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau Chief
article source: abs-cbnnews.com
