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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Nia Dalton

Extremely rare puppy born with six legs, four testicles & extra penis survives odds

A incredibly rare puppy has been born with six legs, four testicles, two colons, two bladders, two pelvises - and even a second penis.

The German shepherd named Raga wasn't expected to live past puppyhood, as most cases like his die very young, reported Indianapolis Star.

But after undergoing a series of complicated surgeries to remove the extra limbs, he has beat all the odds and is now a healthy seven-month-old dog.

Originally a rescue puppy, Raga was taken into VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Fishers, Indiana, late last year.

Hospital manager, Anita Horne, said: "He probably shouldn't be alive, he was such a mess."

The German shepherd was incredibly born with two extra lighter paws (Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK)

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Instantly, it became apparent that Raga's body had problems functioning, as faecal matter was being sent to his second penis, causing him to need heavy duty antibiotics.

Though, Raga didn't know any different, and continued to play and run around the hospital with his conjoined legs flopping behind him.

The hospital's technician supervisor, Gina Elliot, agreed to foster the unusual pup, expecting it to be a few nights at most.

Veterinary technician, Dawn Miyake, holds Raya before surgery to remove his two extra legs (Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK)

But when Raga exceeded his life expectancy, surgeons began to map out a plan to help him survive.

In December, veterinarian Dr. Jae Tobias and surgeon Dr. Nicolas Vecchio performed their first operation on Raga to remove his additional limbs and pelvis.

Surgery was a success, and in February, the animal vets went on to take out his unnecessary internal organs, including the wonky penis and urinary tract.

Raga is now a happy dog and enjoys playing with his next-door neighbours in his adopted home (Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Dr. Tobias had never encountered an animal with two penises before, but said "you just practice the skills that you've learned and follow the rules of surgery".

Once again, Raga survived, and will go on to have a third surgery to remove the two last testicles that are embedded in his abdomen.

Elliot continued to foster Raga throughout his medical procedures, and made the decision to adopt him permanently.

She says Raga needed her and they developed a strong bond, so now she's a "German shepherd kind of gal".

Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.

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