Hyperandrogenism from an Ovarian Interstitial-Cell Tumor in an Alpaca

    November 2006 in “ Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation ”
    Rosanne Gilbert, Michelle Anne Kutzler, Beth A. Valentine, Stacy A. Semevolos
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    TLDR An alpaca acted like a male and couldn't have babies because of a benign tumor in its ovary that caused high testosterone levels.
    An 8-year-old female Huacaya alpaca presented with male behavior and infertility was found to have a serum testosterone concentration of 969.1 pg/ml, significantly higher than the established range of 11.7-62.1 pg/ml for healthy female alpacas. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a tan mass on the left ovary, which was histologically diagnosed as a benign interstitial (Leydig) cell tumor. This condition was responsible for the alpaca's hyperandrogenism and male-like behavior. The study also established a reference range for serum testosterone in adult female alpacas and suggested that an ovarian interstitial-cell tumor should be considered in female camelids exhibiting male-like behavior.
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