ATHENS, Ga. -- A six-legged deer died following surgery at an Athens animal clinic to remove two extra legs which were hindering its gait.

The deer, which was named Spyder, died Aug. 20, two days after surgery. The veterinary surgeons who performed the operation on Aug. 18 said Spyder seemed to be healing well, but then died suddenly of what appeared to be a vascular problem.

The unusual deer was found July 18 by a couple whose dogs had chased it near Armuchee in northwest Georgia. It was initially treated for minor injuries from the dogs and then sent to live with an Athens woman who has a permit to keep unique animals in captivity.

Veterinarians said they aren't sure why the animal had an extra set of hind legs.