You're in > TPG Members Forum > Tortoise Care, Health/Problems > Molly's unbelievable story

Molly's unbelievable story
Posted: 16/02/2009 by tortoise7

Hi
On Friday morning I saw something come out of Molly's Cloaca which looked like a prolapse, it did go back in but I took her to the vet that evening for the vet to have a look. The vet could not feel that there was any obstructions and booked her in for an X-ray Monday (Today) to see if there was a blockage of some sort. This is where the most amazing story begins. The vet phoned me this afternoon to say that it was good news, there was not a blockage, and that she had seen what I saw!!!! it was not a prolapse but a penis?? now Molly has had a hysterectomy, confused? so was I until it was explained that I have a very very special tortoise, she has all the features of a female but has a male penis, and that the testicles were probably removed with her operation.  She is more female than male.. There was quite a wave of excitement when I picked Molly up. has anyone ever heard of this before?
Jane

Re: Molly's unbelievable story
Posted: 16/02/2009 by ElaineTPG

OMG Jane I am LOST for words - honest I am! What an amazing turn of events. Can't wait to read the follow ups to this one. Glad your both well.

Elaine 

Re: Molly's unbelievable story
Posted: 16/02/2009 by tortoise7

Hi Elaine
I was totally stunned,  I couldn't quite take it in at the time, as I thought she was going to tell me something dreadful, because I could sense the vet was trying to find the words to tell me something! I guess we carry on as we are and Molly can keep her name. I am really interested now to find out more about this dual sexuality and how common it is? will keep you posted
Jane 

Re: Molly's unbelievable story
Posted: 16/02/2009 by tpgNina

Hi Jane,

That is truly amazing -- and I can understand how shocked you were! I have heard of hermaphroditism in mammals, but not in tortoises, but there may well be people who are more up on biology than I am who will know. If you Google hermaphroditism a lot will come up. I tried Googling hermaphroditism, tortoise and some things came up but none of them were relevant. Do let us know what you find out in your research.

Nina

Re: Molly's unbelievable story
Posted: 16/02/2009 by tortoise7

Thanks Nina, will get researching

Jane

Re: Molly's unbelievable story
Posted: 21/02/2009 by marilyn

Maybe she's trying to get into "Hello" magazine...... ha ha ha.... What a story though.!!!!  love from Marilyn. xx  Click and drag me down to the editor

Re: Molly's unbelievable story
Posted: 21/02/2009 by ElaineTPG

That may then be worth a read! Looking forward to your research results Marilyn.

TC

Elaine

 

web designer: www.beework.net