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1184 Vaginoscopy

Pearls
• A small vaginal speculum may be used to
VetBooks.ir thereby bypassing the vestibular area and
aid placing the swab into the vagina proper,
preventing inadvertent entry into the urethra.
However, the use of proper technique
virtually prevents improper catheteriza-
tion of the urethra or excessive collection
of vestibular cells, making speculum use
unnecessary.
• Use of a cytobrush is an efficient approach
A B to exfoliate and collect vaginal epithelial
cells. However, when using a cytobrush, it
VAGINAL CYTOLOGY Vaginal smears stained with Romanowsky stain and observed with brightfield microscopy. is essential to also use a vaginal speculum
A, Estrus: superficial epithelial cells observed at 1000× magnification. B, Diestrus: parabasal epithelial cells because most bitches will resent the cyto-
observed at 400× magnification. brush being placed in the vagina without
the aid of a speculum.
due to being poorly stained. The percentage • The proper use of cotton-tipped swabs
of cornified cells increases approximately ensures the collection of plenty of vaginal
10% per day during proestrus, reaching epithelial cells, making the use of cytobrushes
90%-100% (full cornification) by the onset not essential.
of estrus. At the end of estrus, the first day • Ovarian remnants or exposure to estrogen
of cytologic diestrus is characterized by an creams could cause a spayed dog to present
abrupt (overnight) decline in the percent- with vaginal cornification.
age of cornified cells and the appearance
of a significant number of noncornified SUGGESTED READING
cells and influx of leukocytes. The vaginal Canine vaginal cytology (website). http://therio.
epithelium is virtually 100% noncornified vetmed.lsu.edu/k-9__vaginal_cytology.htm
during diestrus or anestrus and in spayed
VAGINAL CYTOLOGY Vaginal smear depicts 100% AUTHOR: Carlos R. F. Pinto, MedVet, PhD, DACT
cornification (superficial and large, intermediate-stage bitches. EDITORS: Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Mark S.
squames) that is consistent with estrus. Smear stained Postprocedure Thompson, DVM, DABVP
with Romanowsky stain and observed with brightfield
microscopy at 100× magnification. None

Vaginoscopy

Difficulty level: ♦ may need sedation or even general anesthesia, especially if a rigid endoscope is being
depending on the medical reasons to perform used.
Overview and Goal the vaginoscopy. • Anesthetized dogs may be positioned in
Visual inspection of the surface of the vaginal Equipment: lateral, ventral, or dorsal recumbency; the
mucosa can be accomplished through a plastic • Endoscope or speculum: size of rigid endo- latter prevents inadvertent fecal contamina-
or metal speculum or is most rewarding with scope should be compatible with the size of tion of the perineovulvar area.
a fiberoptic endoscope. the bitch
• Canine vaginal shunt system (best for bitches Procedure
Indications in estrus; TCI Shunt System) • After the perineum is cleansed and excessive
• Examining the physical changes associated • Sterile water-soluble lubricant hair clipped, the vulvar labia are separated,
with hormonal events of the canine reproduc- • Light source if not integral part of endoscope/ and the lubricated instrument is introduced
tive cycle speculum at a craniodorsal angle to avoid the clitoral
• Evaluating abnormal conditions of the caudal • Swabs fossa until the vestibule and vagina are
reproductive tract (vestibule, vagina, and • Microscope slides observed.
caudal cervix). Common disorders of the • Estrual bitches will tolerate the use of a
caudal reproductive tract include vaginal Anticipated Time vaginal shunt to facilitate air insufflation
septa, vaginovestibular stenosis (strictures) 5-20 minutes and distention of mid-cranial vagina.
(p. 1027), paramesonephric septal remnants, • Areas to be inspected: urethral opening,
tumors, foreign bodies, lymphoid inflam- Preparation: Important vaginovestibular junction (cingulum), vagina,
mation or hyperplasia, and ectopic ureters Checkpoints vaginal dorsal median fold that leads to
(p. 282). • Apply lubricant copiously to the endoscope the narrow cranial vagina, vaginal fornix,
• To facilitate catheterization of the cervix for or speculum before introducing it. paracervical area, and cervical caudal os
intrauterine artificial insemination (p. 1061) • Position: if in estrus, most bitches remain (ostium uteri externum)
standing during vaginoscopy, especially if • Physical changes due to circulating hormones
Equipment, Anesthesia transcervical insemination is the goal. In cause dramatic changes in the appearance
Bitches in estrus tolerate vaginal procedures anestrous or spayed dogs, care should be of the vaginal mucosa, especially during
well; bitches in early proestrus or anestrus taken to not traumatize the vaginal walls, proestrus and estrus.

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