But the border collie and Australian shepherd mix is unique from the rest of her litter: she was born with six legs.
Skipper was born naturally – along with eight siblings – on Feb. 16 in Oklahoma during a major snowstorm, Dr. Tina Neel, owner of Neel Veterinary Hospital, on CNN.
After the storm, Neel said Skipper’s owners took her to the hospital so vets could examine her.
“Our doctors knew we needed further imaging to make a diagnosis, so we donated the service of an abdominal ultrasound,” Neel told CNN.
The ultrasound, along with X-rays, showed that she had two types of congenital conditions, called monocephalus dipygus and monocephalus rachipagus dibrachius tetrapus, meaning she has one main and chest cavity, but two pelvic areas, two lower urinary tract, two reproductive areas, below other two tails and six legs. “
Neel said Skipper was probably part of twins in utero, “and when the fertilized egg tried to split, it didn’t separate completely.”
“So only the back half of her body could duplicate,” Neel said. “She also has Spina Bifida spores along her spine.”
A week after her birth, Neel said Skipper is doing well.
“She’s a strong girl! She loves breastfeeding and can roam like a normal puppy,” said Neel. We think she might have to overcome some things, but she is now determined and doing well. Our vets and her family see no reason not to give her the best opportunity to have a great life. ‘
However, the vets are still following Skipper, given the uniqueness of her situation.
“We will continue to monitor her condition, monitor her development during rechecks and help keep Skipper pain-free and comfortable for life,” the veterinary hospital wrote in its Facebook post. “She’s doing well at home now.”