A Case of Leucocyte Chimerism (78,XX/78,XY) in a Dog with a Disorder of Sexual Development

A 1‐year‐old Shih Tzu dog was presented for examination because of abnormal external genitalia. A residual penis with a prepuce was located in a position typical of a male. The dog had no palpable testicles or scrotum. The ultrasound examination revealed the presence of the prostate, but the gonads remained undetectable. Cytogenetic analysis performed on chromosome preparations obtained from lymphocyte culture showed two cell lines – 78,XX and 78,XY. Molecular analysis of 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers allowed us to distinguish leucocyte chimerism from whole body chimerism. The presence of 3 or 4 alleles was confirmed in DNA isolated from blood, while in DNA isolated from hair follicles only 1 or 2 alleles were detected. The case was classified as leucocyte 78,XX/78,XY chimerism. Our study showed that XX/XY leucocyte chimerism might be associated with disorder of sexual development in dogs. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the use of cytogenetic study, in combination with analysis of polymorphic markers in DNA isolated from different somatic cells, facilitates distinguishing between leucocyte and whole body chimerism.     

Teratoma Associated With Testicular Tissue in a Female-Like Horse With 64,XY (SRY-Positive) Disorder of Sex Development

A four-year-old female-like Quarter Horse was admitted for clinical evaluation because of masculinized-aggressive behavior and lack of estrous signs. On external inspection, a hypertrophied clitoris and prominent muscles were observed. On gynecological examination, apparently normal mammary glands, vulva, vagina, and cervix were noted. On the other hand, the uterus had no tone and was smaller than normal. The left gonad was very soft on palpation and the right gonad was mostly firm, irregular, and wider than the left gonad. On ultrasound examination, there were no signs of regular ovarian structure or follicular activity. Because of the different shapes and consistencies of the gonads and a suspicion of increased testosterone production, a bilateral gonadectomy was recommended. Blood was collected for testosterone levels quantification and for cytogenetic and molecular investigations. After removal, gonads were analyzed macroscopically and sections were sent for histopathological examination. A final diagnosis of benign adult teratoma associated with seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells was made. On cytogenetic and molecular analyses, a normal diploid number of 64 chromosomes and the presence of the XY sex chromosomes were seen in all cells, as well as the SRY gene. Testosterone levels were higher than normal before surgery and were reduced after gonads removal. In conclusion, the masculinized behavior was probably caused by increased testosterone levels produced by testicular tissue, in a female-like horse with 64,XY SRY-positive disorder of sex development, which was associated with a teratoma.     

78,XX testicular DSD syndrome in a mongrel dog

Because of an apparent sexual ambiguity (enlarged clitoris), a 1-year-old mongrel dog was presented to the clinic. A positive result on a GnRH stimulation test revealed the existence of functional testicular tissue. A midline laparotomy was performed, and gonads resembling testes were resected along with the adherent parts of the uterine horns. Microscopic examination confirmed that the sampled gonads were testes. Cross-sections of the head and tail of the epididymis revealed their typical structures. All layers of the uterine wall were well-developed. The lumen was stellar, covered by columnar cylindrical epithelium, although locally some epithelial cells had changed in height from columnar to flat. The uterine glands were distributed in functional layer of endometrium in a non-uniform way. Cytogenetic analysis based on the evaluation of metaphase plates of blood lymphocytes showed a female karyotype, 78,XX. PCR amplification of the SRY gene was negative in the studied mongrel dog. This canine disorder may be genetically heterogeneous, potentially with a different mutation in different breeds. An autosomal recessive inheritance for the XX male is suggested in such cases. The present case of sex reversal syndrome concerns a non-purebred dog. In mongrels, it is definitely less likely for the defect to be inherited because of a recessive disorder. According to the recently proposed nomenclature, the described case should be classified as 78,XX testicular DSD syndrome.     

64, XX,SRY‐negative,Testicular DSD Syndrome in a Lusitano Horse

Here is reported a disorder of sex development found in the Portuguese Lusitano horse breed. The complex genital phenotype included mammary glands, abdominal testes without epididymis, connected through oviducts to pelvic hypoplastic uterine horns and fused vulvar labia majora from which protruded ventrally a penis‐like structure. This structure was presented in a reversed position, the urethral opening placed dorsally in the glans. However, it was functional both for micturition and erection. The horse exhibited female micturition posture and aggressive male‐like behaviour, including flehmen, mounting, thrusting and flagging of the tail. Plasma testosterone concentrations were below detection limits and the genetic evaluation revealed a 64, XX, SRY‐negative karyotype. Surgery consisted in the removal of abdominal gonads followed by amputation of the penis and repositioning of the urethra. This case of reversion between the chromosomal and gonadal sex, associated with mixed anatomical and behavioural phenotype, illustrates that development of the testes may occur in the absence of the SRY gene and that other genetic and cellular pathways leading to gonad differentiation should be investigated.     

Disorder of sex development (XX male, SRY negative) in a French bulldog

A female French bulldog was presented with an enlarged clitoris. Abdominal surgery revealed a normal uterus and gonads resembling testes. Histologically, the gonads contained seminiferous tubules. The karyotype was XX, and the SRY gene was not detected. A diagnosis of XX male, SRY negative disorder of sexual development was made.     

Canine gonadal dysgenesis syndrome: a case of mosaicism (77,XO-78,XX)

A toy poodle bitch had an abnormal oestrus cycle and apparently persistent follicles. Hormonal therapy was unsuccessful. The bitch was ovariohysterectomised and gross and histological evaluation of the ovaries and uterus, together with karyotyping, led to a diagnosis of 77,XO-78,XX mosaicism.     

Ultrastructural Characteristics of the Testicular Capillaries in the Dog (Canis familiaris, L.)

The main ultrastructural and cytophysiological characteristics observed on the testicular capillaries in the dog concern exocytosis and endocytosis processes, probably related to fluid and solute transport through the cells.     

First Description of Partial Atrioventricular Septal Defect in a Rabbit

Congenital heart diseases have rarely been described in rabbits. The purpose of the present case report is to describe the clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and pathological features of a partial atrioventricular septal defect in a pet rabbit. A 3-month-old, 380-g male vaccinated pet rabbit was presented for decreased activity, increased respiratory rate and effort, anorexia, and decreased fecal output of 2 days duration. Total body radiographic images revealed severe cardiomegaly associated with enlarged caudal pulmonary vessels and increased interstitial to alveolar lung pattern. Echocardiographic imaging showed evidence of distended heart chambers, abnormal flow through the atria, and mitral valve regurgitation. The rabbit was treated with furosemide and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor but rapidly deteriorated and died. Necropsy confirmed the dilation of both ventricles and the presence of a partial atrioventricular septal defect associated with an ostium primum atrial septal defect just over the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve.     

Effect of Short‐Term Scrotal Hyperthermia on Spermatological Parameters,Testicular Blood Flow and Gonadal Tissue in Dogs

The objective was to assess the effect of a short‐term scrotal hyperthermia in dogs on quantitative and qualitative ejaculate parameters, testicular blood flow and testicular and epididymal histology. After a control period, the scrotum of seven normospermic adult beagle dogs was insulated with a self‐made suspensory for 48 h. Nine weeks later, two animals were castrated, while in five animals, scrotal hyperthermia was repeated. Dogs were castrated either 10 or 40 days thereafter. In each phase of scrotal insulation, average scrotal surface temperature increased by 3.0°C. Semen was collected twice weekly throughout the experiment. Total sperm count did not change after the first hyperthermia, but it slightly decreased after the second (p < 0.05). Profiles of sperm morphology and velocity parameters (CASA) rather indicated subtle physiological variations in sperm quality than effects of a local heat stress. Chromatin stability of ejaculated spermatozoa as indicated by SCSA remained constant throughout the experiment. Perfusion characteristics of the gonads, that is, systolic peak velocity, pulsatility and resistance index at the marginal location of the testicular artery, did not change due to hyperthermia (p > 0.05). Histological examination of excised testes and epididymides for apoptotic (TUNEL and activated caspase‐3) and proliferating cells (Ki‐67 antigen) indicated only marginal effects of scrotal insulation on tissue morphology. In conclusion, a mild short‐term scrotal hyperthermia in dogs does not cause substantial changes in sperm quantity and quality. In contrast to other species, canine testes and epididymides may have a higher competence to compensate such thermal stress.     

SRY-positive 78, XY ovotesticular disorder of sex development in a wolf cloned by nuclear transfer

Recently, we reported the three wolves cloning with normal karyotype from somatic cells of endangered male gray wolves (Canis lupus), but one wolf had female external genitalia. In this study, we conducted further clinical, histological, and genetic analyses. This cloned wolf had a normal uterus but developed ovotestis. Through molecular analysis of the SRY gene, a mutation in the coding sequence of SRY gene could be excluded as a cause of intersexuality. This is the first report of a cloned wolf with a 78, XY ovotesticular disorder affecting sexual development characterized by bilateral ovotestes.     

Successful Treatment of Disseminated Nocardiosis Caused by Nocardia veterana in a Dog

A 5‐year‐old male castrated Lhasa Apso cross was evaluated for a 1‐month history of inappetence, lethargy, gagging, and progressive right thoracic limb lameness. Synovial fluid analysis revealed nonseptic suppurative inflammation, and a diagnosis of immune‐mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) was made. After 3 months of treatment with prednisone and later cyclosporine, the dog developed multiple firm cutaneous and subcutaneous masses and a focal mass within the jejunum. Cultures of blood, urine, skin lesions, and the jejunal mass identified Nocardia veterana by matrix‐absorption laser desorption ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and allowed for earlier identification of the organism compared to more traditional secA1 gene sequencing. Immunosuppressive drug treatment was discontinued, and the dog was treated for 3 months by administration of trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMS). No recurrence of clinical signs was reported 1 year later. This case report highlights the clinical utility of MALDI‐TOF MS, particularly for the rapid identification of slow‐growing, fastidious organisms.     

犬瘟热的诊疗及血细胞变化监测

患犬经临床检查和实验室检验确诊为犬瘟热.综合采用抗病毒、抗菌、对症治疗和支持疗法,并对诊疗过程中患犬的血细胞变化进行了监测;患犬康复后留有抽搐后遗症.     

Congenital retroflexion of the penis and inguinal cryptorchidism in a presumptive bovine twin with a 60,XY/60,XX/61,XX,+cen chromosome constitution.

Studies were carried out on a yearling Holstein with external genitalia resembling those of a freemartin whose birth and developmental history was unknown. Dissection following slaughter showed testes close to the external inguinal rings, an underdeveloped penis coiled up subcutaneously in the perineum and terminating in a deep fossa at the level of the ischial arch and no evidence of a female genital tract. Chromosome analyses showed 60,XY cells in the blood and 60,XX and 61,XX,+cen cells in other tissues. It is postulated that the animal had a basic 60,XX/61,XX+cen mixoploid chromosome constitution, that the centric fragment functioned as a Y chromosome or as an autosomal modifier of the X chromosome in sex determination which accounted for the animal's Klinefelter syndrome-like abnormalities, and that animal was also twin to a bull which accounted for the presence of 60,XY cells in the blood.     

Efficacy of Daily Ivermectin Treatment in a Dog with Amitraz-Resistant, Generalized Demodicosis

Abstract— A six-year-old intact male English setter dog with chronic, juvenile-onset, generalized demodicosis, resistant to amitraz, was treated with ivermectin given orally 600 mcg/kg once daily, for more than 7 months. The dog was clinically normal after 4 months and skin scrapings were negative for Demodex canis mites after 7 months of treatment. Résumé— Un chien male de six ans de race Setter Anglais souffrant d'une démodécie généralisée chronique depuis l'âge de trois mois et résistante à l'Amitraz, fut trait à l'aide d'ivermectine par voie orale, à la dose quotidienne de 600 mcg/kg pendant plus de sept mois. Un rémission des signes cliniques fut obtenue après 4 mois et les raclages cutanés se sont révélés négatifs pour Demodex canis après 7 mois de thérapie. Zusammenfassung— Ein 6 Jahre alter, nicht kastrierter Englisch-Setterrüde wurde mehr als 7 Monate mit Ivermectin per os, 600 mcg/kg einmal täglich, behandelt, da er unter einer chronischen, in jugendlichem Alter ausgebrochenen generalisierten Demodikose litt, die auf Amitraz nicht ansprach. Das Tier war nach 4 Monaten klinísch gesund, 7 Monate nach der Behandlung fielen Hautgeschabsel auf Demodex-canis-Milben negativ ans. Schlüsselwörter: Hund; Haut; Demodilose; Ivermectin. Resumen Un perro mecho enteros de seis años de la raza setter inglés presentando una demodicosis generalizada crónica de aparición juvenil, y que presentaba resistencia al almitraz, fue tratada con avermectina administrada oralmente a una dosis de 600 mcg/kg, una vez al día, y por un periodo de más de 7 meses. Después de 4 meses, la aparición clinica del perro era normal y los raspados cutaneos no demonstraron la presencia de Demodex canis despues de 7 meses de tratamiento.     

A Case of Wound Botulism in a Foal Affected by Gastric Ulcers in Italy

The case of a 50-day-old Thoroughbred foal affected by sudden muscular weakness and failure to swallow associated with recumbency is described. The clinical picture suggested a diagnosis of botulism. At necropsy, nonglandular gastric mucosa presented deep ulcerations. No other macroscopic nor microscopic lesions were detected. Clostridium botulinum type B was isolated from the lesions of gastric mucosa, whereas the cecal and colonic content, assayed for both spores and toxins, were negative. Moreover, analyses of all potential environmental sources of toxins near the feeding areas were negative. It was concluded that the colonization of gastric ulcers may have contributed to this unusual case of botulism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of botulism in horses reported in Italy, which is also the first case anywhere of wound botulism caused by infection of gastric mucosa lesions.