Rochester, England – A year and a half after welcoming a Boston Terrier named Lincoln into their home, Mark and Brenda Golding received a diagnosis that left them in disbelief: their beloved pet is a hermaphrodite.
Dog’s Intersex Condition Discovered After Series of Health Issues
A Boston Terrier’s unusual diagnosis came after a year of unexpected health complications and expensive vet visits.
- A Boston Terrier named Lincoln was diagnosed as intersex, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
- The diagnosis followed a series of health problems, including testicular torsion, hernias, and lungworm.
- Diagnostic tests, including a CT scan, have cost the owners approximately £12,000.
- Lincoln requires further surgery, estimated at £7,000, to remove reproductive organs and repair a hernia.
- The owners have started a fundraiser to help cover the mounting veterinary bills.
When Lincoln was about six months old, the Goldings learned he had testicular torsion, a rare condition where the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood supply to the testicle. “It’s very, very rare in a pup,” Mark explained.
Following the removal of his testicles, Lincoln began experiencing numerous other health issues, including what vets initially suspected was a bladder cyst. Then came hernias, also considered uncommon in a dog so young.
About a month prior to the discovery of his intersex condition, Lincoln underwent surgery for the hernias. The next morning, he was alarmingly swollen, resembling “the size of a balloon,” prompting an urgent return to the vet, who recommended seeing a specialist surgeon.
A consultation at North Downs Specialist Referrals (NDSR) led to the recommendation of a CT scan, which incurred a £3,000 cost. During the scan, vets discovered Lincoln had lungworm, a parasitic infection, and then delivered the astounding news of his intersex status. “You’re not going to believe this, but he’s a hermaphrodite,” the vets informed Mark, who admitted he “just burst out laughing.” They explained he possessed an ovary and a womb, a condition they noted was exceedingly rare.
Lincoln’s discharge letter confirmed the CT scan findings, stating he has a combination of male and female reproductive organs. It detailed a possible small ovary in his left inguinal hernia and an ovary with a small uterine section within his abdomen. The letter also noted a narrow opening of his penis and prepuce, likely contributing to a narrow urine stream and increased risk of urinary infections.
Vets advised surgery to remove the intersex organs from his abdomen and to re-examine the left inguinal canal for any remaining hernia, once Lincoln tested negative for lungworm. The condition is rarely documented in dogs worldwide.
In the coming months, Lincoln is scheduled for a hysterectomy to remove his ovaries and womb. The cumulative cost for his previous examinations and scans has reached approximately £12,000, with the upcoming surgery expected to add another £7,000 to the total. Facing these unforeseen expenses, the Goldings are seeking financial assistance. Donations can be made to help cover the medical costs, with any remaining funds designated for dog charities.
Mark added that while the procedure is not life-threatening, potential future complications, such as the need for hormone replacement therapy, are anticipated. He described Lincoln as an affectionate and happy dog who is currently unaware of his condition. “All the vets said they’d never seen anything like it. It’s bonkers, this just doesn’t happen,” Mark remarked. He expressed uncertainty about Lincoln’s future well-being after the removal of hormone-producing organs, emphasizing the need for community support.
