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Multiple congenital malformations in a dicephalic spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera)
C Palmieri1, P Selleri, N Di Girolamo
1Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy. c.palmieri@uq.edu.au
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|January 29, 2013
Summary
A rare case of dicephalism, a two-headed condition, was observed in a spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera). This rare congenital malformation resulted in duplicated organs and was confirmed by necropsy.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Developmental Biology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Dicephalism, a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the development of two heads from a single body, is infrequently documented in chelonians.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of such malformations is crucial for veterinary diagnostics and evolutionary developmental biology.
Observation:
- A 22-day-old spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) presented with lethargy, anorexia, and absence of defecation, leading to mortality.
- The specimen exhibited dicephalism with two anatomically similar heads showing independent responses to stimuli.
- Carapace abnormalities included doubled first and extra second vertebral scutes.
Findings:
- Radiography and transplastronal ultrasonography revealed two symmetrical stomachs and two asynchronous hearts.
- Necropsy confirmed duplicated esophagus, liver, gallbladder, and trachea.
- Associated malformations included pyloric valve atresia in the left stomach, focal transverse colon stenosis, and liver hypoplasia.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complex anatomical consequences of dicephalism in Testudinidae.
- The study contributes to the limited literature on reptilian congenital malformations, emphasizing the need for further research into the underlying developmental mechanisms.
- Detailed documentation aids in comparative pathology and understanding developmental errors in vertebrates.
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