Partial Diprosopus Bucallis in a Bunaji Heifer in Bauchi State Nigeria: A Case Report

Diprosopus involves duplication of the facial structures on single body and neck. A one and a half year-old Bunaji heifer was presented to the Area Veterinary Clinic, Ran gate, Bauchi State with complaint of accessory structure below the oral cavity. Thorough physical evaluation revealed an incomplete mouth consisting of paired (fused) mandibles with complete dentition, a rudimentary tongue, salivary secretion and bony eminence that projects caudally terminating as a short stumpy bone. This incomplete mouth was attached to the submandibular region of the normal mouth only by skin and muscle tissues. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of diprosopus bucallis was made and surgical management (correction) was recommended. Under local anaesthesia, the accessory mouth was excised and surgical wound was routinely sutured. Post-operative wound management was instituted using antibiotics and analgesics for 7 days. At 10 days post-operatively, sutures were removed and the heifer recovered uneventfully.

Keywords: Diprosopus, Bunaji, heifer, incomplete, mouth, surgical.