During a record-breaking storm in Oklahoma, a “miracle puppy” dubbed Skipper was born, not only under extraordinary circumstances, but with extraordinary characteristics: The pup has two tails and six legs.
A Miracle Puppy
A Facebook post written by Neel Veterinary Hospital showing a unique puppy after its birth describes the situation perfectly: “This is a miracle named Skipper. Literally.”
The veterinarian’s said Skipper is an Aussie and Collie mix. They wrote on Facebook that she is “doing great” and have created a Facebook page for her named “Skipper’s Journey.”
Puppy Beats the Odds
What the unique little pup “skipped” was becoming a victim of the ravishes of a record-breaking and deadly winter storm that delivered sub-freezing temperatures in Oklahoma that had not been experienced in over a century, CBS News reported. Temperatures in the Sooner State dropped below 20 degrees for five straight days, something that had only happened twice before in the state’s history.
The owners of Skipper, residents of Chickasha, Oklahoma, told CBS News that the pup was rejected by its mother after she was born, so the next day, they took her to the Neel Veterinary Hospital in Oklahoma City. Now, the owners told CBS News that the new puppy is “thriving.”
Six Legs, Two Tails, All Heart
Despite the combination of numerous congenital conditions, veterinarians are calling the puppy named “Skipper” a miracle. The vets say that, according to the published research they studied, they believe the pup has already survived longer than any other canine with her same combination of conditions.
Skipper was born with six legs and two tails. But she has other conditions as well. One is called monocephalus dipygus and another is monocephalus rachipagus dibrachius tetrapus, which results in the puppy having a single head and chest cavity but two pelvic regions, two lower urinary tracts, two reproductive systems. According to the veterinarians, her condition may be the result of a twin that failed to separate while in utero.
Further, the veterinarians say they suspect that Skipper may also have a canine form of spina bifida. Spina bifida is a malformation of the spinal cord. This may cause difficulty in walking or the dog may not be able to walk it all, according to Study Pages. The veterinarians say Skipper may require physical therapy and mobility assistance as she ages.
Most research has led to the belief that environmental factors are the cause behind spina bifida, Dundies reports.
Skipper Acts Just Like a Typical Dog
Despite these physical challenges, the veterinary hospital says Skipper is mostly undeterred by these and still acts like a typical dog.
“Her organs appear to be in great shape, she is peeing and pooping, and is very strong!” The hospital wrote on Facebook. “She nurses well and is growing appropriately so far. All of her legs move and respond to stimulus just like a normal puppy.”
The hospital writes that Skipper’s life may be historic, believing that she has already live longer and they continue to live longer than any other canine that has previously been born with her combination of congenital conditions.
