A dog groomer in Wicklow got the shock of her life when she realised that a lump she’d noticed on the genitals of a female pooch she was preening was actually a penis.
The groomer had taken a close look at the springer spaniel’s rear end after noting that the area was sensitive in the bath.
She spotted an unusual lump on the dog’s genitals, and mistakenly believed that it was a vaginal prolapse.
However, when the owners brought the dog to a veterinary surgeon, they were told that the lump protruding from their mutt’s vagina was in fact a penis, and that this was an extremely rare case of hermaphroditism.
The dog groomer, who did not wish to be named, shared her experience on an industry forum on social media shortly after the bizarre discovery.
“A few days ago, I had a springer [spaniel] in for grooming, noticed her back end was sensitive as I washed her, so I checked her out on the table to find what I thought was a vaginal prolapse,” she said.
“[I] instantly contacted the owner and sent on pics to let them know what I had found.
"[They] took her to the vets to find it’s not a vaginal prolapse – but a penis!
"She has a penis in her vagina!” the groomer added.
Hermaphroditism in dogs is extremely rare, and it is understood that only around 15 cases have been documented in relevant scientific literature.
The veterinary surgeon who examined the pooch referred her to a specialist for further investigation.
She was also scheduled to be neutered, at which time the exact nature of her intersex genitalia will become apparent.
“This is my first of this kind,” said the groomer. “It’s fascinating all the same. Looking forward to seeing what other parts she has.
"We know she definitely has female organs because she goes into heat… interesting to see if she has other male parts too.
“It’s very rare. Even the vets are stumped,” she added. “They are going to spay her, do will investigate further once she’s open.
"I’m dying to find out if she has calls and what’s inside her - I’m fascinated by it… I wish I could watch and view it all!”
