MILWAUKEE — Bella, a 6-month-old puppy, was recently surrendered to the Wisconsin Humane Society's (WHS) Kenosha campus.
During a routine exam, WHS veterinary staff discovered she has dimelia. It's the first documented case for a WHS intake.
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Dimelia is an extremely rare congenital anomaly, where there is a duplication of bones.
"It’s basically like an extra leg inside her right hind leg," WHS explained in a Facebook post.
The puppy's right hind leg when X rayed was shown to have an extra femur, two tibias, two fibulas and nine toes on her rear paw.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in a dog,” said Nancy Weiss, DVM, WHS medical director, in a press release. “Her radiographs are quite extraordinary.”
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The WHS veterinary team consulted an outside surgical specialist, and the team considered surgical intervention and amputation were considered. But, because of Bella’s comfortability with the limb at this time, the recommendation was to allow Bella to keep her limb.
Bella currently bears weight on her hind leg and she displays an abnormal gait when walking or running.
Staff at WHS said Bella loves to go for walks, play and run.
“The extra bones and condition do somewhat affect her mobility,” said Angela Speed, vice president of marketing and communications, in a press releases. “Although she loves to go for walks and run around in our play yard.”
Bella will continue to be monitored for her comfort while she is under WHS's care.
“We have a sea of dogs and puppies looking for homes right now, but Bella is extra special,” said Speed. “Who wouldn’t adopt this loving unicorn of a pup? Our community is awesome, and we know there is a great person out there to support Bella in her journey.”
Bella is available for adoption at the WHS Kenosha Campus. Adoptions at WHS are first-come, first-served, as long as the staff feel the match is a good fit. Currently, all dog and puppy adoption fees are 50% off through April 30.
See adoptable animals across WHS campuses, here.