Numerical sex chromosome aberrations and abnormal sex development in horse and sheep

Sex Dev. 2009;3(6):329-32. doi: 10.1159/000279289. Epub 2010 Jan 27.

Abstract

Gonadal dysgenesis and heterosexual conditions are often associated with sex chromosome abnormalities. In this study we report on 2 cases of abnormal sex development involving numerical sex chromosome aberrations in both horse and sheep. A 17-month-old Standardbred filly was sent to an equine fertility centre as an embryo donor due to its reduced size, being much smaller than a racehorse filly of the same age, which excluded it from an athletic career. External genitalia were clinically normal but manual palpation of the reproductive tract showed the presence of a small underdeveloped uterus and ovaries, as confirmed by ultrasonographic examination. Cytogenetic investigation by CBA-banding revealed an abnormal karyotype with X chromosome monosomy (2n = 63,X). A 18-month-old ewe showed distinct heterosexual traits with presence of a vulva (with enlarged clitoris), well-developed abdominal testes and mammary glands. Internal sex adducts were atrophic as seen after mating. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the presence of XX/XY mosaicism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosome Banding
  • Disorders of Sex Development / genetics
  • Disorders of Sex Development / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Horses / abnormalities*
  • Horses / genetics*
  • Male
  • Metaphase
  • Sex Chromosome Aberrations*
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal
  • Sheep / abnormalities*
  • Sheep / genetics*