DYSTOCIA DUE TO DICEPHALIC MONSTER IN A JERSEY CROSSBRED COW WITH POSTPARTUM DOWNER SYNDROME – A CASE REPORT

Abstract

A primiparous crossbred Jersey cow was presented with dystocia following prolonged labor and previous faulty manual intervention by untrained personnel, leading to amputation of both fetal forelimbs. Clinical examination revealed vaginal oedema. Per vaginal examination confirmed the presence of a dicephalic fetus. Cesarean section was performed to relieve the obstruction. Post-operatively, the cow exhibited downer cow syndrome due to prior trauma and prolonged recumbency, but recovered with supportive care. Necropsy of the fetus revealed two separate heads and tracheae, converging into a common thoracic cavity with a single set of lungs and one heart. This case highlights the importance of skilled obstetrical management and presents anatomical insights into rare dicephalic conjoined twins in cattle.