Schistosomus reflexus from a Holstein –Friesian cow- Case Report

A 5-year-old Holstein-Friesian cow was presented with a primary problem of difficult in parturition (Dystocia). This was the third calving for the cow. A disoriented foetus was palpated per rectum, and on vaginal examination the head of the foetus was palpated which was ventral to the body of the foetus. A caesarotomy (caesarean section) was performed which aided in the diagnosis of a shistosomus reflexus. The shistosomus reflexus was examined grossly and the features observed were exposed abdominal organs, malformed skeleton, improperly positioned limbs which were adjacent to the head. Scoliosis (u shaped or curved spine) and this severe spinal inversion resulted in the head lying in close approximation to the sacrum.