Deradelphous cephalothoracopagus in kittens.
Cephalothoracopagus is a very rare form of conjoined twins and is characterized by fusion of heads and thoraxes with two separate spines, limbs and pelves. The aim of this study was to describe a case of female cephalothoracopagus kitten puppy. The most important gross findings involved the external body and some of the internal organs. Radiological features revealed main developmental abnormality of the head, spines and thorax. Authors discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of this condition, infrequently reported in veterinary practice, pointing out the importance of embryonic duplications commonly associated with dystocia.
Mazzullo
G
G
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Macrì
F
F
Rapisarda
G
G
Marino
F
F
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005260:Female; D014428:Twins, Conjoined