Embryo and fetal position during pregnancy by ultrasonographic examinations in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Abstract

From 2012 to 2017, serial ultrasonographic evaluation of 5 healthy bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, were performed over the course of 6 pregnancies in Enoshima Aquarium. A total of 98 ultrasonographic examinations were included in the study. In three out of six cases, two embryos were observed between umbilicus and genital slit, and side of umbilicus in the dam’s body. All embryos were located in right below the peritoneum and observed from 308 to 325 days pre-partum. These days were corresponding to from 58 to 61 days after copulation respectively. The diameter of the embryo sac was approximately 4 cm. In three cases, the fetal head was located in the dam’s left lateral between umbilicus and genital slit from approximately 90 days pre-partum to the parturition. A snout of fetus is at the top of the uterine horn, and the tail lies close to the cervix. All six calves were fluke-first births (breech presentation). It was conjectured that the contraction of the dam’s uterus during parturition forced the fetus to invert, and the fetal tail fluke was expelled from the dam’s body. In three cases, judging from orientation of fetal tail fluke faced towards left side of the dam, a fetal position might be RSL (Right Sacrum-Lateral) within the birth canal. In the other three cases, the left and right positions of the fetus and the dam’s body are reversed during pregnancy and parturition.