Some dogs are born different, but one newborn puppy is truly one-of-a-kind, miraculously defying the odds and surviving with unusual conditions that no other dog has.
Skipper, an Australian border collie cross, was born this week at Neel Veterinary Hospital in Oklahoma City… and it was immediately clear that this pup was unlike any they had seen before.
Skipper was born with six legs, as well as two tails:
According to a post by the hospital, Skipper has congenital conjoining disorders called monocephalus dipygus and monocephalus rachipagus dibrachius tetrapus.
She has a single head and chest cavity, but two pelvic regions, reproductive systems, and urinary tracts, in addition to the extra tail and pair of legs. It’s likely due to not separating from her litter mate in utero.
Normally, being born with these conditions would be a death sentence: the hospital says they can’t find any example of a dog like this being born alive. Yet, this “miracle” puppy has defied all the odds.
“She has survived longer than we suspect any other canine has with her combination of congenital conditions,” Neel Veterinary Hospital wrote.
Skipper also shows signs of spina bifida in her spine, but despite all her medical abnormalities, this puppy is doing well.
The hospital says her organs are in “great shape” and she’s “very strong.”
“She nurses well and is growing appropriately so far,” the hospital wrote. “All of her legs move and respond to stimulus just like a normal puppy. Its possible she may need physical therapy and assistance with mobility as she gets older.”
They report that Skipper is “doing well at home now,” but they will continue to check in with this one-of-a-kind dog to make sure she’s continuing to develop strong and keep her “pain-free and comfortable for the rest of life.”
We’re so glad to hear this unique puppy has defied all the odds and survived, and we hope she will continue to thrive and have a great life!
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