Intersexuality in a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous)

Abstract

510Pesq. Vet. Bras. 30(6):510-514, junho 2010 RESUMO.-[Intersexualidade em uma raposa (Cerdocyon thous).] A intersexualidade é uma das patologias reprodutivas, hereditária e/ou congênita, que têm sido mais reportada em animais selvagens nos últimos anos. Entretanto, suas ocorrências e conseqüências permanecem obscuras, sendo que todos os aspectos relacionados a este distúrbio reprodutivo merecem atenção. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de intersexualidade com provável ausência de tecido gonadal em uma raposa (Cerdocyon thous) do Brasil. O animal apresentava sexo fenotípico masculino, mas seu prepúcio e pênis eram pequenos. Devido a uma suspeita clínica de criptorquidismo bilateral, foi realizada uma laparotomia, sendo, no procedimento cirúrgico, revelada a ausência de próstata e gônadas. Os ductos deferentes foram localizados lateralmente à bexiga, entendendo-se desde a sua base, inserindo-se na musculatura da parede abdominal direita e esquerda. Um mês após, o animal morreu e os achados necroscópicos confirmaram a ausência de tecidos prostático e gonadal. Entretanto, uma estrutura muscular histologicamente semelhante a cornos e cérvix uterinos foram encontradas. Além disso, pelo mesmo método, ratificou-se a ausência de próstata e o pênis exibiu aspecto normal contendo osso peniano. Os ductos deferentes apresentaram estrutura Intersexuality is a reproductive pathology that has been described in wild animals in recent years. However, its occurrence and consequences remain obscure and therefore all aspects of this reproductive disorder deserve attention. The aim of this study is to report a case of intersexuality with probable absence of gonadal tissue in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) native to Brazil. The animal has male external genitalia, but its prepuce and penis were both hypoplastic. Because of a clinical suspicion of bilateral cryptorchidism, a laparotomy was performed and the absence of prostate and gonads were revealed. The procedure also revealed vas deferentia, extending laterally from the each side of the bladder basis to the right and left abdominal wall muscles. The animal died one month later, and post mortem examination confirmed the absence of prostatic and gonadal tissues. Muscular structures similar to uterine horns and cervix were founded macroscopically and confirmed by optic microscopy. In addition, post mortem findings corroborate with penis hypoplasia, since penile bone presence was observed. The vasa deferentia had a normal tissue structure, although hypoplastic. In conclusion, the case of a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) reported here represents a proved intersexual animal with probable absence of gonadal tissue.

Histological description of Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) respiratory system

“…Most C. thous investigations addresses their eating habits, parasitism, reproductive and behavioral physiology, using captive animals from zoos and reserves (Pimentel et al 2009, Mattos et al 2010, Mattoso et al 2012, Ferreira et al 2013. Some morphological studies were performed using wild animals died by natural deaths or car hitting (Barisson et al 2012, Souza Junior et al 2014, Souza Junior et al 2016) The description of the species' internal morphology demands animal euthanasia, which, by its vulnerability, can only be performed under license from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources -IBAMA.…”

Disorders of Sexual Development in Wild and Captive Exotic Animals

“…Researchers recently reported 1 case of intersexuality in a wild crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) based on the presence of uterus-and cervix-like muscular structures in an animal with an underdeveloped boned penis and absent prostate and gonads [Mattos et al, 2010]. Similarly, 5 cases identified as female pseudohermaphroditism were observed during a study of body composition in North American female black (Ursus americanus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos) [Cattet, 1988].…”