Vaginal Cytology Evaluation

Clinical Pathology

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.

Vaginal Cytology Technique

May or may not want to use a speculum (laryngoscope may work as well).

Carefully part labiaDirect swab craniodorsallySwab the vaginal wallAvoid the vestibule and clitorial fossa,

superficial cells may alter resultsRoll on glass slide, let dry and stain (Diff-

Quik)

http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/eilts/Multimediafiles/Sound/Video/Canine%20Cytology.mpg

Vaginal Epithelial Cell Types

Basal Cells (may not be seen)

Parabasal Cells

Intermediate Cells

Superficial Cells

Parabasal Cells

Small round cells with round nuclei and small amount of cytoplasm

Uniform in size and shape

Intermediate Cells

May be small or largeRound nuclei, nucleus similar in size as

parabasal cellsEntire cell approximately twice the size of

parabasal cellsCytoplasm becomes angular, irregular and

folded as cell enlarges

Superficial Cells

Largest epithelial cellAs they age and degenerate, the nuclei

becomes small, pyknotic and fades.Cytoplasm may contain vacuoles with age

Superficial Cells Continued

Cornification is the degeneration processSuperficial cells are commonly called

cornified cellsOnce nucleus is lost become Anuclear

cells

Staging the Canine Estrus Cycle

Stages of Estrus Proestrus Estrus Diestrus Anestrus

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

Early Proestrus

Parabasal and intermediate cells predominate

As proestrus progresses, parabasal cells disappear as superficial cells increase.

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

Estrus

Lasts an average of 9 daysFemale accepts maleVulvar discharge is less bloodyVulva is softerSometimes bloody discharge may

continue through estrus

Estrus

Superficial cells predominate (90%)May become cornifiedNO WBC’S EXCEPT AT LAST 1-2 DAYS

OF ESTRUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Variable RBC’sLarge numbers of bacteria

Estrus-Hormonal Events

Serum progesterone increases above anestrus range

Progesterone rise begins when LH peaksOvulation occurs 2 days after LH peakEggs take an additional 2-3 days to

matureFertile period is 4-7 days after LH peakNow do blood tests to check for LH peak

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 15-30 days post estrus,

then declines

Anestrus

The transition period between cycles4-12 monthsParabasa and intermediate cells

predominateFew WBC’s and bacteria

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

Management of Breeding

Do comparison cytology during late proestrus and estrus

Breed every other day beginning on day 9Use other hormonal test kits to help stage

cycle Progesterone ELISA Assay LH Assay