Polymelia and duplication of the descending colon in a Poodle dog - a case report

Abstract

This study describes a six-month old female Poodle dog born with a third hind limb and duplication of the descending colon. The extra limb was projected dorsally toward the coccygeal vertebrae and was slightly displaced to the left of the median body axis next to the anus. Although the animal walked without difficulties, it showed signs of discomfort when defecating and sitting. A plain radiograph demonstrated that the extra limb articulated from the left ischium and a contrast radiograph showed that the descending colon was not only duplicated but it adjoined the segments in the rectum, ending with one anal opening. Surgery was performed to amputate the extra limb. The disarticulation of the extra limb from the left ischium was easy to perform and minimally invasive. Intestinal intervention was not performed since it was determined that the animal could live a healthy life with the duplicated colon. Fifteen days after surgery the animal showed no signs of discomfort and was able to sit and defecate normally.