Fetal Monster induced Dystocia in a four-year-old Sokoto Gudali cow

A pregnant primer cow reported to be in labor 12 hours prior to presentation was brought into the large animal clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and was referred to the emergency unit of our facility. Examination revealed intermittent straining, serosanguinous discharge from the vulva, one fore left limb protruding from the vulva. Rectal palpation revealed an extra-large head (which felt conjoined) presented posteriorly with two separate oral cavities exhibiting suckling reflexes. Ultrasound confirmed a double rib cage with heartbeat emanating from two different locations. A tentative diagnosis of dystocia caused by fetal monster was made. Caesarian section was therefore carried out according to standard surgical procedure. The fetus died few hours later. The dam recovered post-surgery and calved a healthy calf two and a half years later.