Emma Priest, a 36-year-old mother from Warwickshire, adopted Penny in September last year as a therapy dog for her two disabled children. What began as a routine purchase quickly became a medical puzzle when veterinarians later found the puppy had both male and female reproductive organs and an undescended testicle. Penny’s anatomy includes one testicle, one ovary, a half-womb and a single fallopian tube, with parts of the reproductive system positioned externally midway up the abdomen. Vets say they cannot confirm the dog’s sex with certainty at this stage. The Priests have launched a GoFundMe to raise about £1,000 for a surgical procedure to remove the extra tissue and stabilize her health.
Hours after Penny joined the family, Matt Priest spotted something unusual. A veterinary assessment confirmed that Penny is intersex, carrying both male and female reproductive structures. The dog’s external appearance is female, but the internal anatomy remains unclear, with the affected tissues located outside the typical boundaries between the hind legs. The veterinarian team emphasized that sex determination remains uncertain until surgery and ongoing testing can provide clarity.
The condition has raised significant health concerns. The undescended testicle is thought to be wrapped around lymph nodes, raising the risk of cancer if not removed. Penny has also endured Giardia and Campylobacter infections since joining the Priests, with an IV drip required when she was around 12 weeks old. It is unclear whether these illnesses stem from breeding practices or from her intersex condition, and the original breeder has not claimed responsibility.
To address the medical needs, Penny is scheduled to undergo an invasive spay-like procedure on October 16. Vets say that if the external genitalia are female in appearance, the prognosis for a normal female life after removal of the internal tissue is generally positive, but the team may need to perform a broader operation if the larger tissue cannot be removed laparoscopically. Because the condition is classified as a birth defect, pet insurance does not cover the operation, leaving the Priests to cover thousands of pounds in medical costs over the past year. The family has launched the GoFundMe to raise the remaining funds for Penny’s surgery and related care.
Emma Priest says Penny is a beloved member of the family and that, despite the stress and financial strain, they are focused on her health and happiness. The upcoming procedure is viewed as essential to ensuring Penny can lead a healthy life, even as the family navigates an emotionally challenging year.
Experts describe intersex conditions in dogs as rare and not fully understood, with vets noting that sex can be difficult to determine in some cases. Preliminary estimates suggest such conditions affect a tiny fraction of canines, underscoring how unusual Penny’s situation is. The Priests emphasize their commitment to Penny and hope for a successful outcome that restores her health and quality of life.