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XX true hermaphroditism in a dog.
M M Sommer1, V N Meyers-Wallen
1Section of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|February 1, 1991
Summary
True hermaphroditism, a rare condition, was diagnosed in a young German Shorthaired Pointer. This dog possessed both ovarian and testicular tissues within its gonads, despite a normal female chromosomal complement.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- True hermaphroditism is a rare congenital condition characterized by the presence of both ovarian and testicular tissue in an individual.
- This condition can lead to complex reproductive and hormonal abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer presented with a notably enlarged clitoris.
- The dog's gonads were located caudally to the kidneys, at the cranial tips of the uterine horns.
- Histological examination revealed gonads containing both seminiferous tubules (testicular component) and ovarian follicles (ovarian component).
Findings:
- The gonads exhibited characteristics of both testes and ovaries, including seminiferous tubules, interstitial cells, and ovarian follicles.
- Associated structures such as efferent tubules, pampiniform plexus, fimbriae, and uterine tubes were present.
- Karyotyping confirmed a normal female chromosomal complement (78,XX) with no structural abnormalities, indicating a chromosomal female with true hermaphroditism.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation in animals with ambiguous genitalia.
- Understanding the genetic and developmental basis of true hermaphroditism is crucial for veterinary reproductive health.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms leading to gonadal differentiation in XX true hermaphrodites.