Testicular disorder of sexual development with cryptorchidism, penile hypoplasia and hypospadias in a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa)

Authors

  • Janine Meuffels University of Pretoria
  • Ilse Luther-Binoir GEOsperm – Wildlife Reproduction and Biotechnology Services
  • Willem Daffue Kroonstad Animal Hospital
  • Francois Deacon University of the Free State
  • Emily P Mitchell University of Pretoria

Abstract

Disorders of sexual development (DSD) in wild mammals are rarely described. A male South African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) was identified with bilateral cryptorchidism. The testes were intra-abdominal, smaller and less ovoid than in normal male giraffes. The right testis was situated more cranially than the left and connected to a longer deferent duct with normal ampullae. One distended vesicular gland filled with mucoid material was identified. A short penis, situated in the perineal area, was directed caudally and presented hypospadias. Histologically, testicular hypoplasia was present; the epididymis tubules contained no spermatozoa and the deferent duct and vesicular gland were inflamed. The blood testosterone concentration was 16.27 nmol/L and oestrone sulphate concentration was 0.03 ng/mL. The aetiology of the abnormalities is unknown. Keywords: cryptorchidism; disorder of sexual development; Giraffa camelopardalis; hypospadias; penile abnormality

Author Biographies

  • Janine Meuffels, University of Pretoria

    Department of Production Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa

  • Ilse Luther-Binoir, GEOsperm – Wildlife Reproduction and Biotechnology Services

    GEOsperm – Wildlife Reproduction and Biotechnology Services, Brits, South Africa and Profetura – Alliance for Wildlife Conservation Breeding, Hamburg, Germany

  • Willem Daffue, Kroonstad Animal Hospital

    Kroonstad Animal Hospital, Kroonstad, South Africa

  • Francois Deacon, University of the Free State

    Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

  • Emily P Mitchell, University of Pretoria

    Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort,
    South Africa

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Published

2021-12-09

Issue

Vol. 91 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Case Report