Studies on vaginal cytology during the canine oestrous cycle
Bell, E.T.; Bailey, J.B.; Christie, D.W.
Research in Veterinary Science 14(2): 173-179
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-5288 PMID: 4807962 Document Number: 65905
The first recorded attempt was made to quantify the changes which occur in the pattern of exfoliated cells in the canine vaginal smear during anoestrus, pro-oestrus, oestrus and metoestrus. 11 adult Beagle bitches were studied, and the proportions of anuclear, superficial, intermediate and parabasal cells were evaluated in 250 vaginal smears. The major change during pro-oestrus and oestrus was an increase in the proportion of anuclear and superficial cells with a corresponding decrease in intermediate and parabasal cells. Parabasal cells were absent from the smear during the first part of oestrus, but a rise in the proportion of this cell type occurred during late oestrus and in early metoestrus. Considerable variation in the results for the cell proportions was found both within and between animals in any given phase of the cycle.