True hermaphroditism in a horned goat with 60XX/60XY chimerism

Anatomical, behavioral, histological, endocrinological, and cytogenetic characteristics were determined in a horned intersex goat. Histology of the gonads confirmed that the goat was a true hermaphrodite. Cytogenetic analysis showed that it was a chimera (60XX/60XY). Use of laparoscopy allowed determination of characteristics of the internal gonads.     

Case report: adenocarcinoma of the intestines in a goat

A case of an adenocarcinoma of the gut with multiple metastases in an old female goat is reported.     

Hormonal and histological studies in a 61XXY bull.

A Friesian bull with bilateral testicular hypoplasia was diagnosed as having a pure 61XXY karyotype. The bull displayed normal sexual behaviour but was azoospermic. At 17 months, the animal's peripheral plasma androgen levels appeared to be lower than normal, and one testicle removed one month later showed small seminiferous tubules totally lacking in germ cells. The Leydig cell volume of this testis was well within the normal range but the tubule length was rather short. At 33 months of age an increase in peripheral plasma androgen levels was noted. In the remaining testis there had been both a considerable rise in Leydig cell volume and a fall in tubule length. These findings may be explained by the interaction of three factors; the effects of the abnormal karyotype, the increased maturity of the animal at 33 months and the reaction of the remaining testis to unilateral castration.     

First report of oligodendroglioma in a sheep

Oligodendrogliomas occur most commonly in the dog, but have also been reported in cattle, horses and cats. A 1-year-old sheep with neurological disturbances, including blindness, ataxia, circling and incoordination was referred to the veterinary clinic of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Following euthanasia and necropsy, a soft, relatively well-demarcated mass was observed in the white and grey matter of the right cerebral hemisphere, close to the sylvian fissure in the right cerebral hemisphere. Microscopic examination revealed a sheet of densely packed tumour cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, lightly staining cytoplasm and characteristic perinuclear halo effect which is consistent with a diagnosis of oligodendroglioma. This is the 1st report of oligodendroglioma in sheep.     

XX/XY chimerism and freemartinism in a female llama co-twin to a male.

A 20-month-old female llama was examined because at the time of mating, the male llama was apparently unable to achieve intromission. The female llama had been born co-twin to a male. On physical examination, the vaginal vestibule appeared to end in a blind pouch, and the uterus, cervix, and ovaries could not be identified during transrectal palpation or ultrasonography. Karyotyping was done, and 43% of blood lymphocytes had 2 X chromosomes, and 57% had 1 X and 1 Y chromosome. All skin fibroblasts had 2 X chromosomes. A diagnosis of freemartinism and XX/XY chimerism was made. Because conception of twins may be more common in llamas than birth of twins, it is possible that freemartinism could develop in singleton females, if, for instance, a male twin was conceived and died after the placentas had anastomosed. More widespread use of karyotyping in llamas with congenital defects of the reproductive tract will help to define the incidence of freemartinism.     

Closed reduction of coxofemoral luxation in a goat: case report

Hip luxations have been reported in many ruminants, and several treatments have been described for them. However, successful closed reduction of hip joint luxation has not been reported in goats to date. This case report describes the closed reduction of coxofemoral luxation in a three-month-old male Saanen dairy goat. The goat showed non-weightbearing lameness and abnormal mobility of the proximal right hindlimb. Luxation of the right coxofemoral joint in craniodorsal direction was diagnosed by radiography. The femoral head was repositioned under sedation, and physiotherapy including non-weightbearing hindlimb movement and supported walking exercise was performed. Fifteen days after closed reduction the animal was discharged from the clinic. At that time the animal was sound at a slow walk but lameness was still present at faster gaits. Follow-up examinations revealed normal development of the animal, which subsequently showed no lameness and served successfully as a breeding goat.     

Gynecomastia and mammary gland adenocarcinoma in a Nubian buck.

A 6-year-old Nubian buck was presented for bilateral mammary gland enlargement. Gynecomastia and mastitis were diagnosed, and bilateral mastectomy was performed. Histological examination showed mammary adenocarcinoma, active lactation, hyperplasia, and abscessation. Karyotyping showed a normal male. Clinical, therapeutic, etiologic, and epidemiologic aspects of gynecomastia and mammary gland adenocarcinoma are discussed.     

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.     

First report of a parasitic copepod (Pennella balaenopterae) infestation in a pinniped.

An infestation by the parasitic copepod Pennella balaenopterae was found in a stranded, 8-mo-old, female northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris). Diagnosis was based on the finding of the cephalothoraxes of 14 adult female copepods from three subcutaneous sites. Bacteria cultured from lesion exudate included Arcanobacterium phocae, Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella tarda, an Enterococcus sp., and Proteus mirabilis. The lesions were drained and irrigated with chlorhexidine, and the seal was treated with a subcutaneous injection of ivermectin. The seal recovered and was released after 43 days.     

Severe chemosis caused by nephrotic syndrome in a goat: a case report

A 3-year old female goat with nephrotic syndrome was presented because of severe bilateral chemosis. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings, decreased packed cell volume, increased serum urea and creatinine, decreased serum protein and protein loss via the urinary tract. At post mortem examination, a chronic glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis were found. In addition to severe conjunctival oedema, ascites and subcutaneous oedema in the region of the larynx were noted. Immunohistochemistry for the detection of chlamydial antigen in the conjunctiva was negative. This is the first report of severe chemosis caused by nephrotic syndrome in a goat.