Puppy with Five Legs and 9 Toes Shocks the Humane Society
When the staff at the Wisconsin Humane Society in Kenosha looked at Bella, a 6-month-old puppy, they were amazed. Bella had just been given to them by a local.
Bella’s right back leg was unusually thick and had extra toes—nine instead of the usual four. Normally, a dog’s back leg has one main bone and three smaller bones, with four or five toes. X-rays showed that Bella’s leg had two main bones, four smaller bones, and those extra toes.
This condition is called dimelia, which is very rare and means some bones are doubled. It’s the first time the shelter has seen this in their 145 years!
Nancy Weiss, the head vet at the shelter, said, “I’ve never seen anything like this in a dog. Her X-rays are really unusual.”
Because this condition is so rare, the shelter talked to a surgery expert. They thought about surgery, including possibly removing the leg, but since Bella can use her leg well now and surgery could be risky. They decided to keep the leg and just watch her progression as she grows.
Bella can walk and run, but she moves a bit differently because of her extra bones.
Angela Speed, who works at the shelter, said, “Her condition does change how she moves a bit, but she loves walking and running in our play yard.”
Bella is ready for adoption at the Kenosha shelter. The shelter staff is hopeful she’ll find a home soon.
UPDATE: She found a home!
“There are many dogs and puppies here looking for homes, but Bella is really special,” said Speed. “Who wouldn’t want to adopt this unique and loving puppy? We have a great community, and we’re sure someone wonderful will come along for Bella.”
