Abstract
Purpose: In reproductive physiology, the bitch presents unique aspects in comparison to other domestic females, including the fact that it is a monoestric species with a prolonged anestrus. On average, the interval between two consecutive estruses in the bitch is seven months, but it may vary across and within females. These characteristics limit the windows for reproduction to one or two short periods of time during the year. Thus, any tool that could possibly assist in predicting the onset of a proestrus reliably could contribute to more efficient means of reproductive management. Vaginal cytology has been extensively used in bitches to determine the phase of the estrous cycle, but the method’s effectiveness is known in predicting the onset of proestrus. The objective of this ongoing study is to therefore determine if vaginal cytology could be used to indicate that anestrus is ending by comparing vaginal smears prepared during different portions of anestrus. Methods : Six female Beagles are being evaluated via vaginal cytology on a weekly or biweekly basis and the results are being retroactively attributed to the first, middle, and final thirds of anestrus. Expected results: This study will determine whether or not changes in the proportions of vaginal epithelial cell types might indicate that anestrus is about to end, and if so, the importance of vaginal cytology could potentially increase in reproductive planning in the species.
Published Version
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