However the border collie and Australian shepherd combine is exclusive from the remainder of her litter: She was born with six legs.
Skipper was born naturally — together with eight brothers and sisters — on February 16 in Oklahoma throughout a giant snowstorm, Dr. Tina Neel, proprietor of the Neel Veterinary Hospital, informed CNN.
After the storm, Neel stated Skipper’s house owners introduced her in to the hospital so vets may study her.
“Our docs knew that we wanted additional imaging to find out a analysis so we donated the service of an belly ultrasound,” Neel informed CNN.
“The ultrasound, together with radiographs, confirmed that she had two kinds of congenital problems, referred to as monocephalus dipygus and monocephalus rachipagus dibrachius tetrapus, which implies she has one head and chest cavity however two pelvic areas, two decrease urinary tracts, two reproductive areas, two tails and 6 legs, amongst different issues.”
Neel stated Skipper was doubtless a part of a twin in utero “and when the fertilized egg tried to separate, it did not absolutely separate.”
“So solely the again half of her physique was capable of duplicate,” Neel stated. “She additionally has indicators of Spina Bifida alongside her backbone.”
One week after her delivery, Neel stated Skipper is flourishing.
“She is robust woman! She likes to nurse and is ready to scoot round similar to an everyday pet,” Neel stated. “We expect that she might have some issues to beat, however she is decided proper now and thriving. Our veterinarians and her household do not see any motive to not give her the very best likelihood an incredible life.”
Nevertheless, the vets are nonetheless monitoring Skipper, given the individuality of her state of affairs.
“We are going to proceed to analysis her circumstances, monitor her growth throughout rechecks and assist hold Skipper pain-free and comfy for the remainder of life,” the vet hospital wrote in its Fb put up. “She is doing nicely at residence now.”
