Vol. 8, Issue 6, Part A (2023)

Author(s): Harika T, Keerthi Sahithi T, Sai Bharath V, Sai Hemachand N, Prudhvi Charan M and Krishnamurthy G

Abstract: Schistosomus reflexus is a condition that is most commonly observed in cattle, but it has also been reported in some cases in other animals, including sheep, goats, and swine. A two-and-a- half-year-old non-descript pluriparous sheep was brought to the District Veterinary Polyclinic in Nellore with a history of labor pain lasting for eight hours, but there was no progress in parturition. Upon clinical examination, it was observed that the visceral organs of the fetus were protruding from the vulva of the ewe. Further examination through vaginal examination revealed that the fetus in the pelvic cavity was deformed, leaving insufficient space for fetal manipulation. A tentative diagnosis of dystocia due to fetal deformity was made based on these findings. To relieve the dystocia, a caesarean section was performed. Upon examination of the defective fetus, it was confirmed to be a case of true schistosomus reflexus in a sheep. The characteristics of the deformity included spinal inversion, ankylosis (fusion) of the hind limbs, and the protrusion of organs such as the liver, intestine, stomach, and kidney from the abdominal opening of the fetus. This case report highlights the occurrence of schistosomus reflexus in a sheep, which, as mentioned earlier, is a condition more commonly associated with cattle but can occasionally affect other livestock as well.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2023.v8.i6a.798