Body stalk anomalies in pig—Definition and classification

Abstract

The presence of body wall closing defects (abdominoschisis and thoracoabdominoschisis) in combination with other congenital malformations was studied in the pig (Sus scrofa domesticus). After clinical examination and literature review, body wall defects with multiple congenital anomalies in eight pigs were described, and classified using anatomical and embryological criteria. Several BSA presentations were identified and classified as follows: (a) BSA Type I: fetus with spinal and UC defects, thoracoabdominoschisis, anal atresia and/or other internal organs structural defects, and structural limb defects; (b) BSA Type II: fetus with spinal and UC defects, thoracoabdominoschisis, anal atresia and/or other internal organs structural defects, and nonstructural limb defects; (c) BSA Type III: fetus with spinal and UC defects, abdominoschisis, anal atresia and/or other internal organs structural defects, and structural limb defects; and (d) BSA Type IV: fetus with spinal and UC defects, abdominoschisis, anal atresia and/or other internal organs structural defects, and nonstructural limb defects. Two types of LBWC were differentiated: LBWC Type I: characterized by thoracoabdominoschisis and structural limb defects, and LBWC Type II: characterized by abdominoschisis and structural limb defects, corresponding to BSA type I and type III. This is the first report on BSA and LBWC in the pig.