A Case of Dystocia due to Thoraco-Omphalopagus Twins in a 3-Year-Old Red Sokoto Doe

A pair of conjoined twins (thoraco-omphalopagus) in red Sokoto goat was delivered through manual traction, after a prolong period of labor that lasted for over 18 hours, after antepartum diagnosis, some bloody discharges were seen coming out of the vulva. Upon clinical examination all vital parameters were within normal range, the animal was weak and in pain. Obstetrical examination revealed non-progressive straining, the cervix was dilated with fetus part palpable at the cervical entrance. In an effort to deliver the fetus, another fetus was noticed attached to the first fetus, which happened to be conjoined twins, and they were delivered successfully using manual traction. The conjoined fetuses were physically examined. the conjoined fetuses, weighing 2kg, were both male and fused from the thorax to the abdominal cavity, with separate heads, limbs, and genital organs. X-ray disclosed the point of fusion where the two fused at the thoracic region medially, from the first to last coastal bone, each fetus was having independent forelimb. In addition, post-mortem examination revealed fusion at the costal cartilage, shared diaphragm, independent well-developed (hearts, lungs, and genital organs), but shared abdominal cavity with independent organs, except for the liver. In conclusion, timely use of advanced diagnostic tools (X-ray or ultra sound) in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities like conjoined twins is of great essence in managing the condition and for the survival of the dam and the fetuses, its better to proceed with elective cesarean section when the conjoined fetuses are at term, rather than manipulative delivery