Crystallization patterns in anterior vaginal fluid from bitches in oestrus

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Reproduction

Background:

• Vaginal cytology is a common method for monitoring the reproductive cycle in female dogs (bitches).
• Hormonal fluctuations, specifically estrogen and progestagen, significantly influence the vaginal environment during the estrous cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristic arborization (ferning) pattern of vaginal fluid in bitches during pro-oestrus and oestrus.
• To evaluate the potential of this ferning pattern, alongside conventional methods, for determining optimal mating times.

Main Methods:

• Monitoring vaginal fluid arborization patterns in bitches.
• Utilizing conventional vaginal cytology.
• Measuring plasma estrogen and progestagen concentrations.

Main Results:

• A classical ferning pattern was observed in vaginal fluid, similar to that in bovine cervical mucus.
• This ferning pattern appeared after the peak in plasma estrogen concentrations.
• Ferning intensity correlated with the second peak of vaginal epithelial cell cornification.

Conclusions:

• The 'Ferning Index' of vaginal fluid shows potential as a diagnostic tool.
• Combining the Ferning Index with vaginal cytology can help determine the optimal mating time in bitches.
• This method offers a valuable addition to reproductive management in canine reproduction.