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Surgery Treats Dog's Five-Legged Problem


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Nov 25, 10:43 AM (ET)


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A five-legged dog discovered near a state park has undergone successful surgery to remove two of his legs.

During a 2 1/2-hour operation Monday morning, a veterinary surgeon removed the dog's back two left legs, which resulted from an extremely rare genetic anomaly.

The Maltese-and-terrier mix named Popcorn created quite a stir in the local dog-lover community when she was found near Umstead State Park, northwest of Raleigh. Experts said it was unheard of for such an animal to live long past birth.

Popcorn is believed to be between 9 months and a year old.


The extra, or supernumerary, leg was removed because it was hampering the dog's movement. The more fully developed leg was also removed because it was rotated at a 90-degree angle, rendering it useless as well.

Dr. Rebecca Tudor, who performed the amputations with an assistant, said Popcorn faced severe arthritis without the surgery. Because of the abnormalities, surgery took longer than expected, she said.