Intersex Anomalies in Cat

1. Intersex Anomalies
in Cat
Course Code and Title
VSO 605 Small Animal Surgery
ID : 19VS-JJ15M
& 19VS-JJ16M

2. Intersex
• Intersex is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which an
animal is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit
the typical definitions of female or male.
• Some intersex animal have ambiguous genitalia or internal sex organs,
such as an animal with both ovarian and testicular tissues.

3. Intersex anomalies in cats
Sexual development disorders in cats can occur due to errors in the
genetic coding, involving chromosomes responsible for the
development of the sex organs - including
i. The gonads (the male and female reproductive organs)
ii. When errors in gene development result in abnormal sexual
differentiation, making it difficult to distinguish between male and
female animals.

4. Causes
• This condition is usually caused by disorders affecting the
chromosomes that determine the traits of an animal's sexual function.
• Gonadal disorders affect the reproductive organs.
• Phenotypic disorders affect the physical and biochemical reproductive
properties of the animal.

5. Also...
Sexual development disorders most commonly occur because of
inherited traits
administration of toxins to the pregnant female parent (such as
hormones) during pregnancy.
Ingestion or administration of male or female hormones, like
progesterone, during pregnancy.

6. Symptoms
Symptoms of gonadal or
reproductive sexual development
disorders may include:
Large clitoris, for the female.
Having an undescended testicle
for the male.

7. Cont...
 Other unusual reproductive organ characteristics may also be
present like Pseudohermaphroditism.
Fig: Pseudohermaphroditism.

8. Cont...
Symptoms of chromosomal sexual development disorders
may include-
Abnormal number of X or Y chromosomes in cat's genetic
make-up.

9. Cont...
Symptoms of phenotypic sexual development disorders may
include:
 External reproductive organs that do not match the internal
chromosomes.
A cat that carries male chromosomes for example, may appear to
have feminine external genitalia, or a smaller than normal penis.

10. Diagnosis
Sexual development disorders are very rare, but are often apparent
from birth, especially if they affect the reproductive organs, it involves
overly large or small reproductive organs.
Individual animals that are normal in appearance, with normal
external reproductive organs and abnormal chromosomes, may not be
identified until they reach their reproductive years.

11. Cont.....
Diagnosis may not occur until attempts are made to breed the animal.
 During this time other diagnoses to rule out may include:
i. Infertility
ii. Hormonal problems including hypothyroidism
iii. Testicular problems including degeneration
iv. Poor timing during breeding.
Once the above conditions are ruled out, tests to measure hormone
levels may be carried out.

12. Treatment
• In some cases reconstructive surgery may be used to restore a more
uniform cosmetic appearance in animals with deformed reproductive
organs.
• The removal of an overly large clitoris may be necessary, especially if it
is causing trauma to your cat.
• Sterilization may be necessary for the prevention of later complications,
including recurring urinary tract infections.

13. Management
• Most animals recover well from surgical and other procedures that are
done to improve their cosmetic and physical health.
• Avoiding synthetic hormones, including progesterone, estrogen, or
androgen, may be advised, depending on the type of sexual
development disorder your cat has.