Conjoined Fetal Twins in a Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)

J Wildl Dis. 2016 Jan;52(1):173-6. doi: 10.7589/2015-02-045. Epub 2015 Oct 23.

Abstract

In July 2013, a stranded harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) died giving birth to conjoined fetuses. The twins were joined at the abdomen and thoracolumbar spine with the vertebral axis at 180°. The cause of this unique anomaly--a first for this species--was not identified.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Determination by Teeth / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Autopsy / veterinary
  • Dystocia / etiology
  • Dystocia / veterinary
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Male
  • Phoca / abnormalities*
  • Phoca / embryology
  • Pregnancy
  • Twins, Conjoined / embryology*
  • Washington