Golden retriever gives birth to green puppy
Three-year-old Rio gave birth to nine puppies and all but one arrived with normal fur.
One of the puppies was born with green fur, so owner Lousie Sutherland named it Forest in honour of its unusual hue.
“The first pup was stuck, so myself and my daughter Claire managed to free him and pull him out safely,” she told The Sun.
After researching, Louise discovered that the unusual colouring occurs due to a condition developed in the placenta.
“It was all hands on deck but then as the puppies started to arrive, we noticed that one of the puppies had green fur. We couldn’t believe it.”
Veterinarians believe the discolouration occurs when light-coloured puppies are exposed to a green bile pigment in the placenta which can stain the fur.
“The colour has faded quite a bit already and will be gone soon, I’m told,” Louise said.
There have only been three other reported cases of puppies being born with green coats, making Forest a special pup.
Louise has found homes for the rest of the puppies but said she would keep Forest for herself.