Two-legged piglet in Batangas charms netizens; expert explains rare birth defect

A piglet born with only two legs in Agoncillo, Batangas, has captured the hearts of many online after its unusual condition was shared on social media.

According to Kuya Kim’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the piglet, affectionately named Lucky, is owned by Marice Holgado. Despite having only two front legs, Lucky attempts to move around by balancing and using its remaining limbs to walk.

“Siya po ang kaunahang nilabas. Pagkalabas po niya hindi siya umiibo. Sabi ko sa asawa ko, pakitingnan kasi baka naiipit kaya hindi siya umiibo. ‘Yun pala po dalawa lang ‘yung paa niya kaya hindi siya lumalabas,” Maricel said.

Maricel said that there have already been inquiries from people interested in buying Lucky, but she refused to sell the piglet. 

According to her, she believes Lucky brings good fortune to their family.

“Tingin ko talaga swerte siya sa amin. Mayroon pong nagchachat sa akin na gustong bilhin pero hindi ko po talaga gustong ibenta. Gusto ko po talaga siyang alagaan,” Maricel said.

Aside from having only two legs, the piglet also appears to have genital organs of a male and a female, leaving Maricel curious about Lucky’s biological sex.

According to veterinary pathologist Dr. Aris Miclat, Lucky’s condition is known as amelia, a congenital birth defect in which one or more limbs fail to develop fully during embryonic growth.

"'Yung tinatawag nating bilateral hindlimb amelia so nagmukha tuloy siyang two-legged pig o bipedal pig. So ito ang tinatawag nating bunga ng mga teratological defects na problema during the embryonic development ng ating mga baboy,” Miclat explained.

There are various reasons why this condition occurs, including genetic mutations, problem with embryo development, infection or nutritional deficiencies in the sow while she is pregnant, or exposure to toxins or chemicals.

“Depending din sa severity, usually may mga baboy na hindi na nagtatagal, can last for about days or weeks. Pero may mga cases din naman tayo na tumatagal,” Miclat added.

The veterinarian said that piglets born with amelia, like Lucky, may face serious challenges, particularly with mobility.

“Number one na maaapektuhan dito ‘yung kanilang mobility pagdating sa paghahanap ng pagkain maging sa proteksyon sa kaniyang sarili, so medyo magkakaroon siya ng challenge,” Miclat shared.

Regarding Lucky’s biological sex, Miclat explained the piglet could possibly be a male pseudohermaphrodite.

“Sa nakita nating video mayroong testicles pero nakita din natin na mayroon siyang rudimentary genital na nagmukhang genital ng isang babae. Parang mayroon siyang dalawang genitals,” Miclat explained. 

“Hindi ito normal at ito ay nangyayari lamang sa mga baboy na nakaranas ng, let's say, infection, malnutrition or deprivation ng kanilang mga blood supply during the embryonic period. The best thing that we can do is to help 'yung kanyang mobility. Special care, basically ang kanilang main need, intensive care." 

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News