UTERUS DIDELPHYS IN A HEIFER

Abstract

Developmental defects of the Mullerian ducts lead to various anomalies of the vagina, cervix and uterus. Failure of fusion of the median walls of the Mullerian ducts in the cervical region and in the region of uterine body leads on to a condition called uterus didelphys. In such cases each uterine horn connects with the vagina by a separate cervical canal (Arthur et al, 1985). In animals having true uterus didelphys with a double cervix, conception may be delayed if they are artificially inseminated because the semen may be deposited in the cervix on the side opposite to the ovary from which ovulation takes place. Roberts (1971) has observed several 'repeat breeder' cows with this type of uterus. Even if they conceive since only one horn takes part in the placentation of the foetus, abortion,
premature birth, retained placenta and infertility are more common in these cows than in normal animals.