Successful management of dystocia due to twin pregnancy in a graded Murrah buffalo

Abstract

Twin pregnancies in large animals are often associated with dystocia and risk of calf mortality but successful calvings were also recorded. A full-term pregnant Graded Murrah buffalo suffering from dystocia was referred to the College of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Proddutur. The buffalo was in lateral recumbency, with a protruded head of a dead foetus from vulva and was severely exhausted due to straining since last two days. It had two successful calvings previously with two separate live births. Per-vaginal examination revealed the presence of two foetuses without any reflexes suggesting mortality in-utero. The presented foetus was in antero-longitudinal presentation and dorso-pubic position with both limbs extended. The foetus was emphysematous with autolytic changes suggesting prolonged duration since its death and could not be retrieved by traction. Cephalotomy of the presenting foetus was performed following epidural anaesthesia with 2% lignocaine and the calf was decapitated near the atlas-occipital joint using a scalpel. Subsequent traction delivered the dead male calf. The second foetus was in antero-longitudinal presentation, dorso-sacral position with flexion near elbow joint and was also confirmed as dead and subsequently pulled out by traction after correcting the carpel flexion. The detached placenta was also removed, and per-vaginal examination conducted to rule out uterine rupture and the buffalo was treated with antibiotic ceftriaxone @ 5mg/Kg Bwt, I/M, Meloxicam @ 0.3mg/Kg Bwt, I/M and chlorpheniramine 10ml I/M for five days to promote clinical recovery. The animal showed signs of recovery by standing on its own and with increased appetite.