SRY-negative XX testicular or ovotesticular disorder of sex development in Dogs

Breeds documented
5
Published sources
2

Overview

During development before birth, some dogs with two X chromosomes form testicular tissue despite lacking SRY, the gene that usually starts testis development. They may have testes or a mixture of ovarian and testicular tissue, called ovotestes. The external genitals may look partly female and partly male, and fertility can be affected.

Signs to watch for

  • An unusually enlarged clitoris
  • Genital appearance that makes the dog's sex difficult to identify
  • A small swelling in the groin

Present from birth, although the differences may be identified later.

When to get help Book a veterinary appointment if you notice unusual genital development.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets examine the external genitals and may use ultrasound to locate internal reproductive organs. Chromosome analysis establishes whether the dog has two X chromosomes, while DNA testing checks for the SRY gene. Microscopic examination of surgically removed tissue can identify testes, ovaries or a mixture of both.

Breeds with documented risk

5 breeds

By breed size
  • 2 Small
  • 3 Medium

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. sciencedirect.com