Vaginal Smear for Oestrus Detection in the Bitch

()Map REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (Map) FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT VAGINA

Introduction

Vaginal smears can be used to determine the stage of the oestrous cycle. Smears are generally stained with Leishman's or a Trichrome stain such as Shorr's.

Vaginal Smears

• At the onset of pro-oestrus, large numbers of erythrocytes are present.
• When true oestrus occurs, the nuber of erythrocytes is reduced, and the smear consists of superficial cells from the stratified squamous epithelium. Such cells include:
  • Anuclear cells
  • Cells with pyknotic nuclei
  • Large intermediate cells
• Towards the end of oestrus, polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes appear. These become the dominant cell type during metoestrus.
• In anoestrus,different cell types are present,these are:
  • Nucleated basal of the stratified squamous epithelium
  • Intermediate cells of the stratified squamous epithelium
  • Few neutrophils