Last week, I had the privilege of examining a darling Beagle. She stood patiently on the table for me while I looked in her eyes, ears, mouth and listened to her heart. When I parted the lips of her vulva to look into her vagina, I encountered something unexpected. Please examine the picture below then answer the following questions: What condition does this dog have? What is the pink structure protruding through the vulva?
Diagnosis: Hermaphrodite with Os Clitoris
This girl is hermaphrodite which means she is actual a boy as well as a girl. The structure sticking out of her vulva is an os clitoris which translates as a bone clitoris. I think of it as a rudimentary penis. She also had testicles that were combined with ovaries in her abdomen. So she was spayed and neutered all at the same time!
Published by kristennelsondvm
Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City.
In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.
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