Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
An equine cryptorchid with testicular and ovarian tissues.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1976
- Authors:
- McIlwraith, C W et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A horse was found to have both male and female reproductive tissues, a condition known as being intersex. This horse was diagnosed as a cryptorchid, meaning its testicles had not descended properly. During surgery, it was confirmed that both testicles were located in the abdomen, and further examination showed that there was ovarian tissue near one of the testicles. Genetic testing revealed a mix of male and female chromosomes in its cells. Despite these unusual findings, the horse's outward appearance and behavior were similar to other horses with typical cryptorchidism. The study concluded that the horse's treatment and diagnosis were consistent with its condition.
Abstract
Cytogenetic and histological studies were carried out on an intersex horse which was diagnosed clinically as a cryptorchid. Surgery confirmed the horse to be a bilateral abdominal cryptorchid and histological examination revealed ovarian tissue associated with the left epididymis. Chromosome analysis of cultured cells from testicular tissue, ovarian tissue and skin revealed 64-XX and 64-XY make-up, the left gonad containing a greater preponderance of XX cells over XY cells. The external characteristics and behaviour of the horse were indistinguishable from that of a "routine" cryptorchid. Other cases of equine intersexes are reviewed and theories for the discrepancies between genetic, gonadal and phenotypic sex are discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10155/