1. Vaginal Cytology Evaluation
Clinical Pathology

2. Vaginal Cytology Indications
Examine exfoliated cells from the vagina
Vaginal epithelium is ovarian hormonal influenced- stages estrus for optimum breeding time.
Knowledge of the onset of vaginal discharge
Character of the discharge
Degree of vulvar swelling
Attitude of female towards male dog
Also useful in detecting inflammation and neoplasia of the genital tract.

4. Vaginal Cytology Technique
May or may not want to use a speculum (laryngoscope may work as well).
Carefully part labia
Direct swab craniodorsally
Swab the vaginal wall
Avoid the vestibule and clitorial fossa, superficial cells may alter results
Roll on glass slide, let dry and stain (Diff-Quik)

7. Vaginal Epithelial Cell Types
Basal Cells (may not be seen)
Parabasal Cells
Intermediate Cells
Superficial Cells

8. Parabasal Cells
Small round cells with round nuclei and small amount of cytoplasm
Uniform in size and shape

9. Intermediate Cells May be small or large
Round nuclei, nucleus similar in size as parabasal cells
Entire cell approximately twice the size of parabasal cells
Cytoplasm becomes angular, irregular and folded as cell enlarges

11. Superficial Cells Largest epithelial cell
As they age and degenerate, the nuclei becomes small, pyknotic and fades.
Cytoplasm may contain vacuoles with age

12. Superficial Cells Continued
Cornification is the degeneration process
Superficial cells are commonly called cornified cells
Once nucleus is lost become Anuclear cells

14. Staging the Canine Estrus Cycle
Stages of Estrus
Proestrus
Estrus
Diestrus
Anestrus

15. Proestrus Bitch has a swollen vulva, reddish vulvar discharge
Will not accept the male during this time
Duration is 9 days (with possibility of 2-15)
Parabasal cells and intermediate cells gradually decrease in number as the cycle nears estrus
Superficial cells appear by 2-3 day and increase in number over time
Erythrocytes are numerous and gradually decline
Neutrophils are also present and decline

17. Early Proestrus Parabasal and intermediate cells predominate
As proestrus progresses, parabasal cells disappear as superficial cells increase.

18. Late Proestrus White Blood cells decrease in number
Large intermediate and superficial cells predominate
No parabasal cells or small intermediate cells
Red blood cells or present or absent
Bacteria is often present

19. Estrus Lasts an average of 9 days Female accepts male
Vulvar discharge is less bloody
Vulva is softer
Sometimes bloody discharge may continue through estrus

21. Estrus Superficial cells predominate (90%) May become cornified
NO WBC’S EXCEPT AT LAST 1-2 DAYS OF ESTRUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Variable RBC’s
Large numbers of bacteria

22. Estrus-Hormonal Events
Serum progesterone increases above anestrus range
Progesterone rise begins when LH peaks
Ovulation occurs 2 days after LH peak
Eggs take an additional 2-3 days to mature
Fertile period is 4-7 days after LH peak
Now do blood tests to check for LH peak

23. Diestrus Abrupt decrease in superficial cells
Increase in parabasal cells and intermediate cells
Many WBC’s, then decrease in late diestrus
Variable RBC’s
Occurs average 8 days after LH peak
Lasts about 2 months
Progesterone peaks days post estrus, then declines

26. Anestrus The transition period between cycles 4-12 months
Parabasa and intermediate cells predominate
Few WBC’s and bacteria

28. Feline Vaginal Cytology
More difficult to collect
Ovulation may be induced due to stimulation of cervix during collection
Similar to a dog, but develop at a faster rate. Average estrus is 8 days, interval between estrus period is 9 days if ovulation does not occur.
Usually no vaginal or scant vaginal discharge may be seen
Usually no RBC’s are present during proestrus

29. Management of Breeding
Do comparison cytology during late proestrus and estrus
Breed every other day beginning on day 9
Use other hormonal test kits to help stage cycle
Progesterone ELISA Assay
LH Assay