Dystocia due to parapagus dicephalus dibrachius dipus dicaudatus double foetal monster in a crossbred Jersey cow: A case report

Abstract

Foetal monstrosity is a developmental anomaly of ovum, embryo or fetus that can lead to significant distortion of the individual. These conditions generally results in dystocia. Amongst all monstrosities, parapagus dicephalus dibrachius dipus dicaudatus is an exceptionally rare form of conjoined twinning in which the newborn calf is characterized with two heads, two fore limbs, two hind limbs and one trunk. A 5-year-old pluriparous crossbred Jersey cow was presented with history showing signs of parturition, rupture of water-bag noticed by the owner in the previous night. Vaginal examination revealed dicephalic calf at the pelvic brim with both the forelimbs extending towards the birth canal. Caesarean section was performed and a monster was removed. Detailed examination revealed that it was a case of parapagus dicephalus dibrachius dipus dicaudatus double foetal monster.