Diprosopus dirrhinus (nasal duplication) in a female Holstein Friesian calf: Clinical findings, diagnostic imaging and surgical management

Abstract An 11‐week‐old Holstein Friesian heifer calf presented with a congenital nasal abnormality characterised by an additional, turbinate‐like structure located dorsally on the nasal bridge. Clinical examination of the calf revealed normal respiratory function, with the accessory structure producing mucoid discharge from blind‐ended cavities. Computed tomography demonstrated abnormal turbinates and incomplete bone enclosure consistent with diprosopus dirrhinus. The nasal diprosopus was surgically excised under general anaesthesia with complete closure of the skin defect. Surgery revealed a soft tissue bridge preventing communication with the normal nasal cavities. Histopathology of excised tissue confirmed the presence of respiratory epithelium, cartilage and bone consistent with nasal tissue. At follow‐up, the calf remained clinically normal and continued to thrive. Congenital nasal malformations are rarely reported in cattle, with only two similar cases described previously in Holstein calves. This report adds to the limited literature highlighting the role of imaging in diagnosis and surgical decision making.