Dizygotic monochorionic canine fetuses with blood chimaerism and suspected freemartinism
Carolynne J. Joonè A C , Kurt G. M. De Cramer B and Johan O. Nöthling A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Old Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
B Rant en Dal Animal Hospital, 51 Cecil Knight Street, Mogale City, 1751, South Africa.
C Corresponding author. Email: carolynne.tarr@up.ac.za
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 29(2) 368-373 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD15174
Submitted: 4 May 2015 Accepted: 14 July 2015 Published: 25 August 2015
Abstract
Two full-term canine fetuses were found to share a placenta during Caesarean section. The fetuses were of discordant gender, with apparently normal male and female external genitalia. Genetic analysis of whole-blood samples obtained from each fetus revealed identical DNA profiles, with more than two alleles detected at six loci. Subsequent genetic analysis of myocardial tissue samples revealed dissimilar DNA profiles, with at most two alleles detected per locus. Superimposition of the tissue-derived profiles matched that derived from the blood samples exactly, except for two loci failing to amplify, and hence demonstrated blood chimaerism. Dissection of the abdomen of the male fetus revealed delayed descent of the testes towards the inguinal canals. Macroscopically, the gonads, uterus and vagina were not identifiable on dissection of the female fetus, although vestigial ovarian tissue and a vagina were detected microscopically. The hypoplastic internal reproductive tract of the female fetus was suggestive of freemartinism and is believed to be the first report of this condition in the canine.
Additional keywords: disorder of sexual development, dog, DNA, shared placental site, twin, vascular anastomoses.
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