STAFFORDSHIRE bull terrier Dolly is a dog in a million – as she has both male and female sex organs.
When owner Nikki Daniels noticed four-month-old Dolly was chewing at her tummy she took her for a check-up at the vets.
Pacemaker Press
But she wasn’t prepared for the outcome — hermaphrodite Dolly was producing both male and female hormones and had a penis, a womb, two ovaries and two testicles.
Nikki, 22, says: “When the vet said she was a hermaphrodite I couldn’t believe it.
“She had simply been chewing at her lower tummy so I thought she might have an infection. I wasn’t prepared for what they said.”
Dolly, who Nikki bought in February for £650, had to be taken to a specialist vet with knowledge of the procedure as the condition is so rare.
Pacemaker Press
She had her first operation last week and will have to have more corrective surgery. Plus, despite her young age, she will need to be spayed, with the total cost likely to be around £4,000.
Luckily, when Nikki bought Dolly, she took out pet insurance which covers the bulk of the vet fees, leaving her with the £300 excess to pay.
Gymnastics coach Nikki, from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, says: “Having both male and female sex organs can cause her problems in adulthood, which may make her become aggressive.
“I’ve been told that because she is a hermaphrodite, even if she didn’t have the operation, she is not allowed to breed. That doesn’t worry me — I just want her to be OK. She’s been in the wars for a dog so young, but she’s adorable — just like any normal puppy.”
Pacemaker Press
Vet Sean McCormack says: “Dogs such as Dolly are very unusual indeed.
“They are usually diagnosed when their owner notices unusual behaviour, as in Dolly’s case.
“There are fewer than 100 individual cases described in scientific reports worldwide.
“There are various reasons why this condition can occur, all are genetic abnormalities and most happen purely by chance.”
Star of the week
JEFF the tortoise thinks he is a dog.
The eight-year-old reptile comes when his owner calls, has a wardrobe full of outfits and even loves summer days out at the beach.
He lives with owner Paula Stewart in Merseyside – and she wants to shatter the myth that tortoises make boring pets.
Paula, 38, says: “Jeff is so clever and sweet. He loves sitting on the sofa watching TV with me and my two dogs.
“We’ve taught Jeff to run up when you call his name and his favourite thing is having a bath.”
Paula gives Jeff food he would find in his native Greece, such as cucumbers, while he also likes lamb’s lettuce, dandelions and raspberries.
Paula adds: “Jeff has helped me eat more healthily. I spend time researching nutritious treats for him and end up eating his leftovers.
“Jeff has brought me so much happiness.”
Pet Vet
PET Vet Sean McCormack – head vet at tailored food company tails.com – is on a mission to help the nation’s pets.
Jon Axworthy is the owner of Springador Bluebell, two. Bluebell stares constantly at Jon and his kids Eddie, 14, Sammy, ten, and Annie, seven. Jon, 47, from Wembury in Devon, says Bluebell has a lovely nature but if they look back at her, she turns away.
Wayne Perry – The Sun
Sean says: “What a gorgeous dog Bluebell is. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. It’s likely just her nature – she wants your attention or reassurance more than most dogs.
“Being a mix of two very active breeds, a Springer Spaniel and a Labrador, it is likely she is bursting with energy and enthusiasm. Dogs often look to us in the hope they will be fed, played with, exercised and given attention. My guess with Bluebell is she just wants to ask, ‘What’s next, Mum?’ or ‘What’s next, Dad?’
“She looks perfectly healthy and in great shape, but lots of exercise is always a good idea. Matching her calories to her exercise level to keep her in ideal condition will ensure she stays healthy.
“Mental exercise can be just as useful, especially indoors. Make her work for her food using puzzle toys and reward-based training to learn new tricks. Hide-and-seek scent work will also occupy her and help tire her out.”
Designer Chris Naughton’s white Boxer dog, Layla, has a lot of allergies including turkey, potato, duck, wheat, dairy, eggs . . . and even grass. The two-year-old is taking expensive drug Apoquel to help with itchy paws, rashes and weeping eyes but Chris, 45, from Manchester, is considering immunotherapy.
Sean says: “Sadly, Boxers are very prone to these allergies. As it’s likely a lifelong condition, I’d be inclined to pursue the immunotherapy route to see if it helps.
“Immunotherapy, while not always 100% effective in every dog, could help her become less reactive in future to pollen and other seasonal allergens.”
Win 20 dog brushes
DOES your pooch get into a tangle? Paws & Claws has the answer.
We are giving away 20 Pet Teezer dog brushes.
Use them wet or dry and hair stays in the brush, not on the floor. Available in small and large sizes.
For a chance to win, email sundayfeatures@ the-sun.co.uk with PET TEEZER as the subject, stating what colour and size you would like. See petteezer.com.
