Collection of tissue and culture samples from the canine reproductive tract

Definitive diagnosis of reproductive tract infection or other disease often requires sampling of tissue, either for culture or histopathology. Indications, sample collection technique, possible side-effects and interpretation of results are reviewed. Pertinent facts include: (1) collection of uterine biopsy specimens via laparotomy was associated with higher yield of diagnostic samples and fewer side-effects than other less invasive techniques; (2) vaginal culture samples should be collected from the anterior vagina to minimize number of contaminants in the sample; (3) collection of culture samples from the anterior vagina during proestrus or estrus, in the presence of discharge originating in the uterus, was a non-invasive technique for assessment for uterine infection; (4) samples for bacterial culture from mucosal surfaces, including the vagina and penis, must be quantitated to allow interpretation, with moderate to heavy growth of any single aerobic bacterial organism relevant; (5) mycoplasma and ureaplasma are part of the normal flora of the genitourinary tract in dogs and bitches and, because most laboratories cannot give reliable quantitative results, interpretation of positive results often is difficult; (6) collection of prostatic tissue samples for cytology or culture was more likely to yield a correct diagnosis than submission of ejaculated prostatic fluid.