Multiple Congenital Defects In A Bunaji Bull

Abstract

A congenitally malformed two- and-half year-old bull was acquired from Zaria abattoir for clinical and laboratory investigations. Clinical observations revealed that the bull had kyphoscoliosis and notomelia, with the two extra hind limbs attached to the right lumbosacral aspect, and a common hypoplastic pelvic bone for the extra hindlimbs. The bull had a hypoplastic scrotal sac in-between the extra hindlimbs, with no testicles. There was a fully developed scrotum containing a single testicle (monorchid) between the normal hindlimbs. It had two penises; one fully developed and the other hypoplastic. Each of the penises was within a separate and patent prepuce. There was a fully developed patent anus and an additional atresic anus. It also had double rectum one of which was fully developed, and in continuation with the gastrointestinal tract, while the other was hypoplastic and connected to the atresic anus. There was a single hypertrophied kidney and an abnormal, dorsally attached intrapelvic urinary bladder. In addition, the bull had traumatic reticulitis. The haematological results indicated anaemia and leucocytosis. Serum chemistry analysis revealed normal values of total plasma protein (52.0g/L), alkaline phosphatase (37.0 IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase (29.0 IU/L) and increased levels of blood urea nitrogen (11.8mmol/L) and creatinine(309.4mmol/L); low sodium(118.0mmol/L) and slightly high potassium(5.2mmol/L). It was concluded that these marked abnormalities were relatively incompatible with life and could render the bull unfit for reproduction and breeding.

Keywords: Bull, Notomelia, Kyphoscoliosis, Monorchidism

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 27 (3) 2006 pp. 80-86