Bilateral ovotestes in a dog

By Tim Cushing

A 2-year-old Cocker Spaniel presented for routine ovariohysterectomy. At surgery the uterus appeared small and contracted.

Fig 1. Low magnification view of the ovary. Note the normal ovarian tissue present at the periphery of the ovary and irregularly distributed sex cords in the medulla (arrows). x20 magnification.
Fig 2. Higher magnification of the ovary showing both the ovarian tissue and sex cords showing Sertoli-like morphology (arrows). x100 magnification.

Final Diagnosis

Bilateral Ovotestes

Discussion

The presence of both male and female gonadal tissue in the ovaries of this dog is consistent with ovotestes. This is a feature that would indicate hermaphroditism. The exposure of hormones produced by the male gonadal tissue during embryogenesis (notable Mullarian Inhibitory Substance) will have resulted in hypoplasia/atrophy of the uterine tissue. The likely accounts for the reported small convoluted appearance of the uterus at the time of ovariohysterectomy. Ovariohysterectomy should be curative of any problems that may have arisen from this condition.