ARMUCHEE, Ga. -- A deer with an unusual deformity is recovering after being attacked by a dog.

The six-legged fawn that was injured in an apparent dog attack was found on Friday near Armuchee in north Georgia.

The young deer underwent treatment at the West Rome Animal Clinic.

After saving the deer's life, the vets are wondering what to do with it. They said they are reluctant to release the deer back into the wild.

The deformity, called polymelia -- Latin for many limbs -- is caused by a birth defect. Sometimes it occurs in the case of conjoined twins in which one twin degenerates except for the extra limbs.

The animal is often otherwise healthy and lives a life of normal duration.

Polymelia has been reported in many types of four-legged animals as well as in humans.