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Pet People

Thursday, March 06, 2008

He's a She and She's a He



Remember the story I posted a while back about Sgt. Rogers, a rescued Boston terrier at Second Chance Happy tails?

They thought he had an injury wound, but it turns out, the dog is a hermaphrodite! It has both male and female sex organs! I've heard of this in people, but this is the first time I heard about it in an animal!

The poor guy! He also tested positive for heartworm, but has to have an infection cleared up from when he was "neutered." Then, after the heartworms are treated, he'll have to have some surgery for his plumbing problems!

Inge got some information from another rescue who had a hermaphrodite dog (who was adopted!) Here is that story:

" I'll be happy to share info with Inge about our experience with Sunny, our little hermaphrodite. Sunny had a fully developed penis that was completely exposed. The sheath was there, on both sides, but not closed. VERY strange if you've never seen something like that before but, as you say, it's not as uncommon as one might think. Sunny also had female parts, urinating as a little girl rather than a male.

"There was no question that something had to be done. If she had ended up in a shelter, she would have been euthanized. A reputable rescue really cannot, in my opinion, place the dog "as is." We did a good bit of internet research, talked to our own vet and Bob actually had a pretty lengthy phone consult with Dr. Blackford, surgery professor at UT. She indicated that the surgery was not all that difficult but emphasized the critical importance of having 'clean' edges on the surgical incision & careful suturing. Otherwise, the area would always be subject to drainage and subsequent infection.

"Kim P. authorized the surgery which was performed by Louise Penfield of McCarty Veterinary Clinic in Kingsport. It turned out that none of Sunny's male parts were functional so they were removed and no internal resection of her "plumbing" was necessary. Sunny came home to us with 34 stitches all the way down her abdomen and into a "Y" down the inside of her back legs (to provide a little 'give' to the incision as she healed). Naturally, the difference was astonishing but the incision itself scared the living daylights out of me...I had to carry her in and out every time she needed to potty and make sure she didn't try to jump.

"She was kept crated and also had an "E" collar for quite a while - can't remember exactly how long. I had visions of her coming "undone" and her insides just falling out! But, she healed beautifully - Dr. Penfield did a wonderful job. We were told that because her urethra & anus were closer than normal due to all the extra parts she was born with that she could be subject to UTIs.

"Sunny was eventually adopted by a friend of Linda S.(Southern Cross) and she occasionally sends updates. Sunny is living a wonderful life in a loving family and, as far as I know, has never had any subsequent health issues.

"So, even though it's not cheap ($700-800, as I recall) and very scary for the foster parents, HAVE THE SURGERY DONE. Just be sure to use a vet who is known to be a good, careful surgeon."

As you can imagine, the treatment for heartworms and the surgery are huge costs for Inge, so any help you can give would be appreciated. If you would like to help please click on the PayPal button to make a secure credit card donation. You do not need a PayPal account to make a donation. Go to: www.secondchancehappytails.petfinder.org.

Have you guys ever heard of this? The poor baby! I think they might have to give it a unisex name! Jesse? Or to highlight his condition, Hermie? What a lot of problems for one little dog. Let's all pray things go well and he finds an understanding, forever home full of love.

posted by Sandy at 3/06/2008 03:25:00 PM

15 Comments:

Blogger Adrienne said...

This is very interesting. I cannot wait to start Anatomy and Physiology. I hope we are able to touch base on things such as this. I may have to print this picture for class an example since it is not seen very often.

Thursday, March 06, 2008 5:48:00 PM  
Blogger Whisper said...

Our vet tech friend has one of these dogs but not to the extent as shown in the photo. Blue was not having a problem and so he didn't need to have it fixed. He is perfectly fine with an extra opening... he is neutered.

Thursday, March 06, 2008 7:11:00 PM  
Blogger Stacey said...

Off topic, but I wanted to put this on the most recent post so folks would see it!!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST CANCELLED DUE TO NASTY WINTER WEATHER!!!!!!!!

Just got the official word from the Commander. We will work out another date with the VFW, and I will let everyone know when it will be. Sorry, I was looking forward to seeing Sandy and Glen and you other Pet People that were going to come!!!

Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:09:00 PM  
Blogger B said...

Maybe we could use your fund raiser ideas to help out "Hermies", Sandy.

Friday, March 07, 2008 12:13:00 PM  
Blogger Pam said...

Please guys, don't nickname that poor little dog Hermie's or anything that will be a constant reminder of what it has to deal with and go through! It needs a good name that is happy and positive! "Lucky" would be good one and for sure positive.

Friday, March 07, 2008 1:42:00 PM  
Blogger Skeeter said...

I had no idea such a thing could happen to a dog. Wonder if this is known to happen to cats as well?

And I agree with Pam on this one. The doggie already has a name and it is Sgt. Rogers.

Friday, March 07, 2008 2:47:00 PM  
Blogger B said...

ANYWAY--- I guess we will not be having my birthday extravaganza tis Saturday if the weather is going to be rotten. Suite me. YOu can all make a donation to a pet charity in my name in the amount of what a good bottle of whiskey would have cost-LOL. Give it to Sgt. Rogers--

Friday, March 07, 2008 2:54:00 PM  
Blogger Skeeter said...

What birthday extravaganza?
Did I miss something here???

Friday, March 07, 2008 4:02:00 PM  
Blogger B said...

We were sort of planning to get drunk Saturday night for my B-day--but now we'll be eating snow cream evidently. Wasn't anything huge. Don't worry---

Friday, March 07, 2008 4:28:00 PM  
Blogger Skeeter said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY B.....
I am a March baby also!
Another connection between us...

Saturday, March 08, 2008 5:17:00 PM  
Blogger Skeeter said...

Oh, and dont use the yellow snow!

Saturday, March 08, 2008 5:18:00 PM  
Blogger Sandy said...

HAPPY birthday to B!!!! Did you get any special presents? How old?

Sunday, March 09, 2008 12:11:00 PM  
Blogger B said...

this is -39! I got a trip to HOLLYWOOD or my birthday from my baby--we go in May

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 12:19:00 PM  
Blogger Pam said...

Haven't been on here for a few days so sorry I missed wishing you a Happy Birthday B, Happy Belated Birthday, hope you had a great one!
Fly Boy's birthday is next month and he gets to spend it in The Sand Box! Boo Hoo!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 4:21:00 PM  
Blogger Skeeter said...

B takes HOLLYWOOD by storm!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:19:00 PM  

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Pet People

Sandy Britt, an animal welfare advocate and volunteer with Clarksville rescue organizations, takes care of three dogs: Zoe, Scooter and Peanut; two cats: Catfish and Tarzan; and one husband, Glen, and according to him she takes care of them in that order.
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