MORPHOLOGICAL AND IMAGING FEATURES OF MALE PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM IN A FERAL CAT

Abstract

A one-year-old European shorthair feral cat with signs of heat was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria University. After the physical exam, histology, hormonal analysis, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) studies were performed. Examination of the external genitalia revealed the absence of one of the testes in the scrotal sac and the presence of a structure whose appearance could suggest an enlarged penis-like clitoris with small spines. The ultrasound study showed compatible images with the left ovary and intra-abdominal testis and tubular structures, which closely resembled the uterine horns. Similar structures were confirmed in the CT study. Exploratory celiotomy revealed the presence of the uterus and undescended testis attached to the uterine horn. Histological examination revealed immature testicular tissue in both gonads and the presence of Persistent Müllerian Duct (PMD). Though a karyotype was not performed, it was presumed to be the standard 38 XY found in pseudohermaphrodites. To date, this type of disorder of sexual development (DSD) has been scarcely reported in cats. Further studies are on the way to knowing the genetic mechanism of this disease.