Central Alberta animal rescue helps horse with 'intersex condition'
A central Alberta horse rescue agency is seeking public support to care for an 11-year-old mare that possessed a rare condition.
Bear Valley Rescue, based in Sundre, wrote on its Facebook page that the horse, named Dixie, was surrendered a few months ago.
The group says the owner couldn't handle the horse's behavioural issues and wouldn't be able to pay for spay surgery.
Upon examination, staff with the group discovered something different about Dixie.
"Turns out that Dixie has an intersex condition, and it was found that one of the ovaries was actually a testicle," Bear Valley Rescue wrote. "Both of which (were) successfully removed and with a good prognosis."
Kathy Bartley, who works with Bear Valley Rescue, told CTV News in an email that Dixie's condition is "fairly rare."
"Our veterinarian said she had never seen a horse with no outward signs (she has external female genitalia) but having the internal differences that Dixie has," Bartley said, adding that the veterinarian initially believed the horse had a medical issue with one of her ovaries.
"She was extremely surprised that the ovary, upon removal, had the appearance of a testicle."
While the horse is on the road to recovery, the group says it is still seeking donations to help with Dixie's care.
You can find details on how to help Bear Valley Rescue on its website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson Airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation
Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.