Schistosomus Reflexus Combination with Hydrocephalic Fetus in Local Iraqi Dairy Cow: Case Report

Abstract

Congenital abnormalities in Iraqi cow fetuses can occur due to various genetic, environmental, and infectious factors. These abnormalities can affect the development of different organs and systems in the fetus, resulting in structural or functional abnormalities that may affect the survival and health of the newborn calf. The Frisian cow at full term of pregnancy as per proprietor is given the historical backdrop of stressing and unfit to go through the ordinary physiological course of calving, vaginal assessment uncovers a twisted embryo in the pelvic hole that leaves lacking space for fetal control with some of fetal layer project outside from the vulva. Caesarean section relieves dystocia, and physical examination of the defective fetus confirms a case of genuine Schistosomus reflexus (SR) in a cow. The presence of hydrocephalic fetus in combination with anomalies (SR) has not been previously reported in dairy cattle from Iraq.