A dog that lost its snout while saving two girls in the Philippines has been taken to the US where vets will try to fix its injuries.

Surgeons at University of California's veterinary medical teaching hospital in Davis looked over the mixed-breed dog named Kabang on Thursday.

Kabang became a star in the Philippines after it got in front of a speeding motorcycle, saving the dog owner's young daughter and niece.

But the crash took off its snout and upper jaw, and veterinarians in the Philippines were unable to treat the injury.

Karen Kenngott, a critical care nurse from Buffalo, New York, spearheaded an online fundraising campaign for the dog's care.

UC Davis surgeons say Kabang will need multiple surgeries, but they are confident they can improve its condition.