A RARE CASE OF SCHISTOSOMUS REFLEXUS (SR) IN DEONI COW AND ITS SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT
VITTAL1, SARITA2 AND SANJEEV KUMAR3
- Senior Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensory, Belkuni (Ch), Aurad, Bidar Karnataka
- Assistant professor, Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Veterinary College, Bidar Karnataka
- Chief Veterinary Officer, Mobile and Extension Officer, Veterinary Hospital Bhalki, Bidar Karnataka
Abstract
Schistosoma refluxes a rare and congenital defect seen mostly in ruminants which occurs as result in the failure of closure of the abdominal wall. This communication reports a case of Schistosoma reflexus in a deoni cow.
Key words: Schistosoma refluxes, congenital, dystocia and fetopelvic
Introduction
Schistosomus reflexus (SR) is a rare type of congenital syndrome of fetus and it is characterized by the presence of exposed abdominal and often thoracic viscera (Schistosomus), and marked spinal angulation leading to a distinct ventral curvature of vertebral column (reflexus). SR is very rare obstetrical condition ranging from 0.01% to 1.3% of total bovine dystocia but mostly seen in cows as compare to other species (Laughton et al., 2005). Occurrence of inherited congenital anomalies are common in all cattle breeds, moreover specific trait selection favours its spread in a population. (Whitlock, 2010). The disorder belongs to the family of malformations where the ventral portion of the fetal body wall fails to close completely. Furthermore, Laughton et al. (2005) suggested a genetic explanation in which a fetus contains recessive genes from both the dam and the sire, impairing the development of the embryo. Usually, it is quite challenging to deliver the Schistosomus reflexus per vaginally. Majority of instances produce dystocia.
Case details
An adult deoni cattle at full term in her 3rd parity was brought to Veterinary dispensary, Belkoni (Ch) with history of continuous straining without delivery of fetus. Upon gynaeco-clinical examination, clinical parameters were within normal physiological range i.e. temperature 100.5ºF and respiratory rate 42/minute. Vaginal examination revealed dilated cervix with exposed foetus intestinal loop in the birth canal. The condition was diagnosed as dystocia due to Schistosomus reflexus.
Fig : 1 Fig : 2
Treatment and discussion
Gross examination of the foetus revealed marked ventral curvature of the spine and flexation of both the fore limbs. The body and chest walls were stretched. Peritoneums over the visceras over the sternum were absent. Ventral abdominal area of the fetus was without the skin, incomplete and almost all the visceral organs were exposed out of the abdominal cavity. Scoliosis (reflexus) and unclosed thoracic and visceral wall with exposed viscera (Schistosomus) which confirmed as case of SR. Similar findings were reported by Kumar et al. (2018) and Balamurugan et al. (2020). Perianal region of the cow was thoroughly cleaned with 0.1% potassium permanganate solution and low plane epidural anesthesia was given with 5 ml, 2% Lignocaine hydrochloride followed by lubrication of birth passage with liquid paraffin. Gentle traction was applied on the head and two limbs with simultanious repulsion on other limbs inside the uterus, the malformed fetus was delivered. (Fig.2). Following fetal delivery, the dam was administered with 1500 mg of enrofloxacin, intravenous fluids and antiinflammatory drugs for 3 days. Uneventful recovery of the dam was noticed.
Dystocia can be defined as difficulty in parturition which may arise due to maternal or fetal factors. Fetal cause of dystocia is major contribution to total bovine dystocia (Kumar et al., 2018). In fact, SR is rare but an important fetal cause leading to considerable loss to cattle owners. The dystocia in this condition was due to fetopelvic disproportion and malposture (Youngquist and Threlfall, 2007). The definite cause for the occurrence of SR has not been established yet but several authors suggested genetic and congenital causes responsible for such type of monstrosity. The present case confirms Schistosomus reflexus defined by specific features i.e. ventral curvature as well as exposed viscera due to unclosed thoracic and abdominal wall, however ankylosis of the joints was not observed, that’s why per-vaginal delivery in the present case could happened.
REFERENCES
Balamurugan, B., Reddy, Y.P. and Jyothi, K., (2020). Successful pervaginal delivery of schistosoma reflex foetal monster in a nondescript buffalo-A case report. J. Pharm. Innov.“, 9(4), pp.57-58.
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Laughton, K.W., Fisher, K.R.S., Halina, W.G. and Partlow, G.D. (2005). Schistosomus reflexus Syndrome: A heritable defect in ruminants. Anat. Histol. Embryol. 34: 312–318.
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