Polydactylism along with Uterine Torsion in a Cow: A Case Report

A full term non-descript pluriparous cow aged six years was presented to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic (Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics wing) of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar with the history of intermittent abdominal straining but unable to calve. Clinical observation revealed that cow was restlessness, exhibiting other imminent signs of parturition such as teat engorgement along with udder enlargement, relaxation of sacro-sciatic ligaments and vulvar oedema. Per-vaginal examination revealed mild degree of torsion < 180° where fetal part and cervix was palpable. Animal was restrained and torsion was corrected by simple rolling method without the application of plank. After one roll, uterus was detorted and per-vaginal mutation was performed to correct fetal maldisposition, then, three point tractions were applied and live female fetus was extracted out. Gross examination of fetus revealed polydactylism i.e. accessory/duplication of phalanges in all the four limbs and this duplication was more pronounced in hind limbs. Further detail history revealed that the bull to which cow was bred had similar condition that relates it to be genetically linked disease. The animal was discharged on same day with administration of systemic antibiotic, anti-inflammatory along with herbal ecbolic and recovered uneventfully within three days of treatment.