Work

Successful Per-vaginal Management of Dystocia Due to a Dicephalic Fetus in a Crossbred Cow

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A five-year-old Holstein Friesian crossbred cow at full-term gestation was presented with prolonged labour and failure to deliver the fetus. Per-vaginal examination revealed complete cervical dilatation and a dead fetus in anterior longitudinal presentation with two fully developed heads attached to a common neck and trunk, causing mechanical obstruction of the birth canal. Under caudal epidural anaesthesia and adequate lubrication, the fetus was repelled, appropriately aligned and extracted per vaginum by controlled traction on the forelimbs. The dam received supportive postpartum therapy and recovered without complications. The case demonstrates that, when the cervix is fully dilated and adequate pelvic space is available, careful obstetrical manipulation may permit vaginal delivery of a dicephalic fetus and avoid fetotomy or caesarean section.

Source: Indian journal of veterinary and animal sciences research.

DOI: 10.56093/ijvasr.v55i6.185498

Authors: V. Balamurugan, V. Ramakrishnan, U.S. Kalyan

Institutions: GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, University of Madras

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Physiology in Livestock

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W7224939638

FWCI:

Cites: 2

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Related to: 10