Disorder - Hermaphroditism

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative Names
Intersex

Brief Description

A condition in which an individual has characteristics of both male and female genitalia.

Presenting Signs

Intersex can be divided into two main types: true hermaphrodites and psuedohermaphrodites. In true hermaphrodite dogs both ovarian (female) and testicular (male) tissues are present while psuedohermaphrodite dogs have sex organs from one sex and also display partial or entire features from the opposite sex. Female hermaphrodite dogs normally display swelling or enlarging of the clitoris but otherwise may appear normal except for some increase in abdominal size. Pseudohermaphrodites often display a combination of genitals such a fleshy mass protruding from the vulva. Upon operation the ovaries appear to have testicular growth associated with them and are known as ovotestes. Diagnosis is straight forward, although differences between intersex and related disorders are minimal. Intersex dogs are usually infertile and are susceptible to problems such as cancers and infections of the reproductive organs.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Terrier
Toy
Utility


Breeds Affected
Alaskan malamute
American cocker spaniel
American water spaniel
Beagle
Cocker spaniel
English springer spaniel
German short-haired pointer
Kerry blue terrier
Pug
Weimaraner


Treatment

Surgical

Related Disorders

XXY Syndrome
XO Syndrome
XXX Syndrome
XX/XY Syndrome
Chromosomal sex abnormalities
Mosaics
Pseudohermaphroditism

PubMed References
Hermaphroditism

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
564


Contributor
Jonathan Wood