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Abdominal situs inversus in a Holstein calf
K R S Fisher1, M S Wilson, G D Partlow
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
The Anatomical Record
|May 2, 2002
Summary
Situs inversus totalis, a rare congenital anomaly, was diagnosed in a Holstein heifer calf. Post-mortem revealed situs inversus abdominalis, suggesting early embryonic laterality involves timing and positional regulation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Developmental Biology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Situs inversus is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by reversed organ positioning.
- Heterotaxy, or anatomical inversion, is often identified through medical imaging.
- Early detection and understanding of situs inversus are crucial for veterinary medicine.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old Holstein heifer calf presented with suspected situs inversus totalis during abdominal surgery.
- Post-surgery, the calf experienced poor weight gain and chronic bloating.
- Clinical examination and cardiovascular Doppler ultrasound revealed no abnormalities.
Findings:
- Post-mortem dissection confirmed situs inversus abdominalis, not totalis.
- Key findings included a helical esophageal coil, right-sided rumen with adhesions, abnormally placed left kidney, two spleens, and a distended, twisted caudal vena cava.
- No cardiac or pulmonary anomalies were detected.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complexity of situs inversus, presenting as abdominal situs inversus despite initial suspicion of total situs inversus.
- The findings suggest that embryonic laterality development is influenced by both timing and positional cues.
- Further research into the developmental mechanisms of situs inversus can improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in veterinary patients.