The most reliable method for determining ovulation in a dog. Determining the optimal mating period

Vaginal cytology. Determination of mating time for bitches.

Vaginal cytology is carried out to determine the stage of the estrous cycle, determine the timing of mating and childbirth, to determine deviations in the estrous cycle, and to determine the nature of discharge from the vulva. Unfortunately, using this method it is impossible to determine the timing of ovulation.

Technique.
Cotton swab soaked saline solution, inserted into the vagina. Avoid touching the clitoris, clitoral fossa, and skin as these areas contain cells that may interfere with the interpretation of results. Next, the swab is carefully rolled over the slide, making several longitudinal strokes.
Various dyes can be used to color preparations. We use Diff-Quick dye to color preparations; you can also use methylene blue and other dyes. Before you start coloring the preparation, it is better to dry it. A drop of dye is placed on the area where the cells are located and covered with a coverslip.

What cells can we see?

Parabasal cells- have a rounded or slightly oval shape, a small amount of cytoplasm and a large nucleus.

Intermediate cells- smooth, round or oval, have uneven outlines and a vesicle-containing nucleus that is smaller than the nucleus of parabasal cells. The size of these cells is very diverse. They may be slightly larger than parabasal cells, or they may be 2 times larger than parabasal cells.

Superficial cells- these are dead cellular elements that line the vagina of female dogs during estrus. These are the largest cells found in vaginal smears. They have a pointed shape, angular cytoplasmic contours and small, wrinkled, partially lysed nuclei or no nuclei at all.

Superficial intermediate cells- have a relatively normal core, but in general appearance are typical superficial cells.

Nucleated cells - scales- large, dead, irregular shape cells that do not contain nuclei. They represent the final phase of death, which begins already in the parabasal cells. These cells are also often called “fully keratinized” or “fully keratinized cells.”

Methestral cells- usually larger than intermediate cells. One or more neutrophils are often found in their cytoplasm. Methestral cells are usually found at the onset of diestrus or in cases of vaginitis. Very rarely such cells are found at the beginning of proestrus.

Cytological changes in the vagina of bitches on different
stages of the estrous cycle.

During proestrus parabasal, intermediate and some superficial cells are rejected. Red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria are detected.
When approaching estrus there has been a significant increase epithelial cells and a decrease in white blood cell counts. During estrus, superficial cells predominate (sometimes making up more than 90% of the sloughed epithelial cells). Red blood cells and extracellular bacteria may be detected. There are no leukocytes during estrus, except in cases where there is a concomitant inflammatory process.
Diestrus is accompanied by the presence of dramatic changes: parabasal and intermediate cells exceed the number of superficial cells. Layers superficial cells may occur at the onset of diestrus. White blood cells almost always reappear. Red blood cells and bacteria are often found.
The same changes occur during estrous cycle in cats, but they rarely have red blood cells and white blood cells.

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Proestrus. A large number of red blood cells (small red dots) are visible (x 10).	Proestrus. A large number of neutrophils, red blood cells, and superficial cells appear. (x 40).
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Estrus. More than 80% of superficial cells (x 10).	Estrus (x 40).
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Diestrus. Superficial cells make up less than 20% (x 10).	Diestrus (x 40).
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Diestrus. The arrow indicates the methestral cell (x 100).

Preparing dogs for mating.

1. Select only healthy animals for mating.

2. Determine the first day of estrus. Start in early period estrus (on the third day of proestrus). Observe the bitch's behavior every day (provoke her with the male) and/or conduct regular vaginal cytological examinations. (To more accurately determine the time of ovulation and mating dates, you can determine serum progesterone content, approximately 24-48 hours before the preovulatory LH surge, the progesterone concentration rises above 1.0 ng/ml; in typical cases, after 2 days (during ovulation), the progesterone concentration is 4-10 ng/ml)

3. When the surface cells in the smears reach 80% of the total number of epithelial cells, it is necessary to place the bitch with the male.

4. Mating should be repeated until the bitch begins to refuse mating (it is not always possible to determine) and the cytological picture corresponds to estrus. The intervals between matings are on average 3-4 days, however, for each specific case you need to select your own mating regimen.

5. A pregnancy test is carried out after 21-30 days. In the absence of pregnancy, determine serum progesterone levels to assess ovulation and luteal function.

Materials used for the article:

Laboratory diagnostics in a small animal clinic. M. Willard, G. Tvedten, G. Thornwald

Endocrinology and reproduction of dogs and cats. E. Feldman, R. Nelson.

In this article I will look at the features of ovulation in dogs. I will tell you in more detail about the little things and frequently encountered problems, for example: how long does ovulation last, how to determine the favorable period for mating in time, I will list the signs of the process and facts about which you may not have known.

Poor living and feeding conditions, insufficient exercise stress delay ripening.

How long and with what frequency does ovulation last?

Estrus is a period of sexual activity. Ovulation is the time at which mating in dogs most favorably occurs (it first occurs at about 8 months). Sometimes inexperienced owners make conclusions about the infertility of their dogs only because they do not know about it.

Estrus occurs every six months and lasts from two to three weeks; this period is noticeable to the owners and there are no questions about its definition.

Ovulation is a less noticeable process; sometimes you can only learn about this period from a veterinarian.

Usually, it appears at the end of estrus and lasts from several hours to several days and proceeds cyclically; it also often coincides with the period of hunting. If you decide to take this seriously, you will most likely have to spend time and effort.

In a bitch, each phase of the cycle takes a period of time 8-10 times longer than in other animals.

How to determine ovulation at home

You can pat the dog on the lower back (closer to the croup) - if it freezes and moves its tail to the side, it is ready for mating.

Also, if you press the bottom of the loop, the dog will stand motionless and move its tail - a clear sign of the beginning of ovulation.

Laboratory tests are the most accurate, although they do not give 100% results. You can try to determine ovulation at home. After all, who can better than the owner know about dog behavior?

It is not so easy to determine without available means, because these days can shift throughout life. I can give you tips that may help you.

In order to be able to determine the process of ovulation, you need to place the dog during estrus on a white sheet. Then you will notice changes in the color of the discharge. The stain left on the fabric was divided into two circles according to color. It's darker inside, but lighter around the edges.

But these methods cannot give a guarantee, because ovulation in some dogs occurs in a couple of hours; roughly speaking, you can simply skip such a moment.

Don’t be upset, you can do without visiting a veterinarian, but for this you need to purchase special tools and then you will not miss the moment.

According to statistics, 80% of dogs that remained infertile after mating were mated at the wrong time.

• Ovulation in dogs is usually determined by a blood test. But also, this process can be recognized by the animal’s saliva - it will help you ARBOR device(test microscope). Due to the fact that during the period of ovulation, estrogen in the blood increases, as a result of which the shape of the crystals in saliva changes - they become like a fern leaf.
• A good option would be Test strips "Uriglyuk-1", they are intended for diabetics. (There are 50 pieces in a package.) You can catch a drop of discharge on the strip in the yellow sector, after which you need to close the jar and wait. If the color has not changed, the ovulation period has not yet begun; the good thing about the test is that it can be performed at any time.
• To determine the most exact result at home, it will help you device Probe. It is easy to use and does not cause discomfort in an animal, it is used by veterinarians without resorting to testing. The device is inserted into the animal's vulva and the results are recorded. You can follow the changes.

Signs of the onset of ovulation

The reproductive cycle of a female dog is purely individual.

The main symptom is a change in the color of the discharge (lightens) and its quantity (decreases). The condition of the vulva changes (swells and falls) - this is quite noticeable. The bitch pulls the loop up and moves her tail away. When stroking the rump it freezes.

The dog becomes more active, you can notice how it explores the territory or leaves marks. She becomes more interested in the street than at home. When a male dog approaches, he takes a stance. General changes in behavior, constant wakefulness or increased appetite, depending on individual characteristics.

Optimal days for mating

The cycle consists of 4 stages: Proestrus (3-16 days), Estrus (2 to 4 days), Metestrus (after estrus) - the entire estrus process consists of these phases.

The most favorable period for mating is estrus. It is during this period that mating days are chosen. It is recommended to carry out two matings at intervals of 1 - 2 days, in other words, on days 9-13 (the number is based on the majority). But, I want to remind you again that each organism is individual.

You can say that you just can notice for yourself. The dog itself will “tell” you about its readiness. Body language will do this much better than calculations. I advise you to pay attention to this, because if you miss this moment, you will have to forcefully breed the bitch.

Because of the vomeronasal organ, dogs can sense odorants from many kilometers away.

I want to say that any animal is worthy of love, attention and respect, regardless of breed. The main thing is to adhere to the basic rules, both you and your pet will succeed. I hope that there are no questions left regarding this matter and that soon there will be a new addition to your family.

Test for determining ovulation by saliva in dogs.

Breeders are always interested in the question: when to breed a bitch? Everyone knows that the optimal days for mating a bitch differ among dogs of the same breed. They can “shift” throughout life, even in the same dog. It is believed that as the age of the bitch increases, she should be bred at a more advanced age. late dates. Usually, this is true, but there are many cases where, on the contrary, heat, which usually coincides with the period of ovulation, can occur earlier than it did in previous heats. In addition, there are “specimens” whose heat does not coincide with the period of ovulation - it may occur later than the days when there is the greatest chance of becoming pregnant.

Experienced breeders know that best time for coverage - this is the day before ovulation and the first days of ovulation. At this time, the discharge brightens and becomes more mucous.

Presence of mucus - necessary condition to preserve sperm viability. In the absence of fetal mucus, sperm die in acidic environment vagina. If the dog sleeps on your white sheet, then you will notice that the spot left in the place where it was lying is, as it were, divided by color into two concentric circles: the inside circle is darker, the outside is lighter. At this time, the loop greatly increases and becomes soft. Counting the days since the start of estrus, the color of the discharge, the condition of the vulva and the behavior of the bitch are the signs by which breeders determine readiness for mating. But these are, as it were, secondary, visible signs, caused by the processes occurring in the female body during estrus. Namely: the ovaries begin to produce follicles containing eggs. Due to the increasing pressure on the walls of the ovary, most of the follicles burst and mature eggs fall on the funnel-shaped opening of the oviduct - ovulation occurs.

All these processes are caused hormonal changes. At first He's in heat a slow rise in the hormone estrogen, reaching a maximum on the day of ovulation, after which its level quickly decreases within one to two days.

Female steroid hormone– progesterone, produced in the corpus luteum of the ovaries, prepares the uterus for implantation and nutrition of the egg and, if fertilization occurs, regulates metabolism during pregnancy. It is by the content of progesterone in the blood that our Western colleagues determine the optimal mating period. Its quantity should be from 6 to 10 units. If it’s less than 6, it’s too early to knit; if it’s more than 10, it’s too late. The required ratio of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can be determined not only by a blood test, but also by the severity of saliva crystallization.

To determine the day of mating at home, the method discovered back in 1946 by the Swiss scientist Papanicolaou is currently widely used. This method consists of analyzing under a microscope the change in the nature of crystallization of dried saliva (or cervical mucus) can be judged with a high degree of certainty about the onset of a fertile or infertile period and, accordingly, increase the likelihood of pregnancy. As estrogen increases in the body, the number of crystals in saliva also increases, and on the days of ovulation the crystals take on a fern-like shape. This method in medicine is called “arborization”, from the Latin arbor - tree. With the advent of the ARBOR test microscope, invented by Ukrainian scientists, the arborization method became available at home.

The Arbor device is a small microscope in the form of a tube, the size of a lipstick package. A glass slide containing dried dog saliva is inserted into a special hole (the set includes 32 reusable glasses). By pointing the microscope at a diffuse light source, you observe the picture that forms after the saliva has dried (crystallized).

For getting reliable results must be done following rules:

It is more convenient to collect saliva in the corner of the mouth - between the lip and lower jaw. You can take it with a pipette and then drop it onto a glass slide, but I take it directly with the glass itself (it is plastic and not sharp), pushing it into the corner of the mouth. To improve salivation, I show the dog something tasty.

If there are a lot of bubbles on the glass, then they need to be removed, for example, by tilting the glass with saliva in one direction and moving the bubbles from the surface with the flat side of the needle in the other direction.

The collected saliva should dry on the glass. naturally. Do not place it on a radiator or under a lamp, or blow it with a hairdryer. It dries in approximately 30-40 minutes. Naturally, the glass must initially be dry and clean.

Dried saliva is examined under an Arbor microscope. By comparing the picture you see with those given in the instructions for the microscope, you can determine what stage your beloved dog is at. Usually, I take several control saliva samples (2-3) at once, because... It may turn out that the saliva is not collected very well, for example, there are a lot of bubbles or mucus.

And one more piece of advice. During the heat preceding the one in which your dog is scheduled to be bred, analyze the saliva from the first to last day in heat. Then the picture of the change in the nature of saliva crystallization will become clear to you and you will be able to make a forecast: on what day does the peak of “fern flowering” occur, and therefore the day on which, in the dry language of dog breeders, you need to breed.

Microscope Arbor

Natural sex life, which every married couple strives for, can only be ensured by the natural regulation of fertilization. The method, discovered back in 1946 by the Swiss scientist Papapicolaou, consists in analyzing with a microscope the change in the nature of saliva crystallization during menstrual cycle, it is possible to judge with great certainty the onset of a fertile and infertile period

The Arbor microscope allows you to:

Pregnancy planning,

Definition of favorable and unfavorable days to conceive a child,

With a high degree of probability, planning the gender of the unborn child,

Physiological method of contraception,

Control of the process of hormonal formation in adolescence and youth,

Timely detection of violations reproductive function, predisposition to various diseases,

Observation of hormonal levels in the first trimester of pregnancy (preventing possible miscarriage),

Monitoring the onset of the first menstrual cycle after childbirth, in which pregnancy is possible,

Timely detection hormonal disorders when using an intrauterine device,

Monitoring the restoration of reproductive function after stopping taking contraceptive hormonal drugs,

Self-monitoring of hormonal status during hormone replacement therapy in the postmenopausal period.

According to American medical scientists, during female cycle There is a day when it is dangerous to make contact for the purpose of conceiving a child. For the reason that there is a possibility of the birth of defective offspring with genetic disorders. The egg does not live long, but even for this a short time she has time to grow old and a sperm cannot be allowed to meet such an egg. What day is this? The withering of the egg corresponds to the period of decline in crystallization. Entering into contact during this period for the purpose of conception threatens troubles for the development of the unborn child. And the same Arbor Microscope will help determine the fatal moment.

CONCLUSION about the practical value of the Arbor miniature microscope.

1. International Scientific and Medical Center"Family Health"

CEO International Center Family Health Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor V.N. Zaporozhan

Head clinic, candidate of medical sciences V. V. Bepoyasnaya

2. Advisory center for endocrine pathology pregnant and gynecological patients

Head Department Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences V. V. Shcherbakova

3. Ukrainian Institute for Advanced Training of Doctors Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1

Head of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, corresponding member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Russia, laureate of the Prize named after. Singerela, Doctor of Medical Sciences, honorary member of the national scientific societies of obstetricians and gynecologists of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Hungarian Republic of Romania, the SFR of Yugoslavia, member of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Europe, Professor L.V. Timoshenko

CONCLUSION: The Arbor microscope, created by the Kyiv-Donbas company with the participation of employees of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 2 KIUV, is a convenient device personal use to objectify the condition own health women. Along with this, the mini-microscope can be used by every obstetrician-gynecologist and gynecologist-endocrinologist of any level / local doctor, doctor of the central district hospital, clinic / for screening diagnostics of disorders and correction of ovarian function in women of various age groups. Using the Arbor mini-microscope, you can determine the fertile and infertile periods of the menstrual cycle, which is necessary for the implementation of natural contraception, choose the most favorable time for conception. It can be used as additional method studies in a number of gynecological diseases. An analysis of the effectiveness of the Arbor test microscope carried out by Czech researchers in 1993 showed that in terms of the main characteristics (magnification coefficient, the ability to dynamically monitor changes in the crystallization structure), the Arbor test microscope has no analogues among this class of optical individual funds self-monitoring of women's hormonal status.

Only the Arbor Microscope device has a body made of metal (durability), analogues are made of plastic.

The design of the Arbor microscope was developed by Italians; the device is the size of a tube of mascara, placed in plastic case with a lid, the case is equipped with a cassette for storing a series of smears. The Arbor microscope is equipped with a set of slides (32 pcs.) for a series of smears. Analogues have only a few glasses.

The Arbor-Elite lens is made of glass, this ensures the durability of the device and high quality Images. Analogues have a plastic lens - the image is less clear, the lens is short-lived.

- "Arbor-Elite" provides a 100-fold increase (the microscopic picture is much large sizes than analogues), analogues are only 20-40 times.

Today, a competent, science-based approach to breeding dogs. The high breeding value and uniqueness of some individuals is a prerequisite for a thorough examination of the reproductive system of dogs, not only for the purpose of excluding infectious diseases, but also to identify the timing of ovulation. This examination is especially relevant for animals traveling for mating to other regions of the country and the world.

Many breeders understand the need to diagnose estrus, however, the lack of information, the fragmentation of data on this issue, as well as the lack of specialists in some cases leads to the receipt of unreliable data or their incorrect interpretation. Thus, the presence of great demand for diagnostics of the reproductive cycle in bitches was the reason for the development of an algorithm for its study with the derivation standard indicators and determination of ovulation parameters.

First of all, you need to give brief description female reproductive cycle. The dog is a monocyclic animal, the cycle frequency ranges from 4 to 12 months. Highlight next stages: proestrus, estrus, metestrus and anestrus. The onset of estrus, or proetrus, is manifested by corresponding changes in the reproductive apparatus: there is a growth of follicles and an increase in the number of FSH receptors in them. Clinically, this stage is characterized by hyperemia of the vaginal mucosa, swelling of the vulva, the appearance bloody discharge. Under the influence of follitropin together with various factors growth stimulates the development of primordial follicles, as well as differentiation and proliferation of granulosa cells. Of the many follicles that begin to grow, only a few mature. The estrus stage corresponds to heat and ovulation, and it is during this period that mating should be carried out. It is difficult to discern a clear boundary between the stages, however, during estrus, softening of the vulva and a change in character are observed. vaginal discharge, the animal's readiness to mate. Then, at the site of the burst follicle, a cavity is formed, which is quickly filled with granulosa cells filled with the yellow pigment lutein. Development corpus luteum occurs during the metestrus stage, regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not. As you know, pregnancy in dogs lasts 58-65 days, and after its resolution, the stage of anestrus, or sexual rest, begins.

It becomes clear that preparation for ovulation occurs under the influence of a complex of factors, the most important role of which is played by hormones. It is known that estrogens and gestagens regulate proliferative processes in the vaginal mucosa, which consists of a multilayer squamous epithelium. Depending on the degree of maturity, the vaginal epithelium can be represented by parabasal, intermediate, superficial intermediate and superficial cells. Morphologically, they differ as follows: parabasal cells are the smallest, round in shape, the nucleus occupies most of the cell. Intermediate cells are approximately twice as large due to the cytoplasm; superficial intermediate cells become thinner and acquire a somewhat angular shape. Superficial cells are the largest, often anucleate, containing keratohyalin granules. In the anestrus phase, the vaginal epithelium is thin and pale, mainly represented by parabasal cells. The ovulatory peak is characterized by the highest degree of maturity of the vaginal epithelium, i.e. detection of more than 90% of superficial cells in a vaginal smear with the highest percentage of karyopyknosis (more than 80%) and high sensitivity to the dye. The development of the corpus luteum leads to the appearance of large quantity horny scales, leukocytes and intermediate cells.

In our study we set the following tasks:

To identify the dynamics of changes in estradiol and progesterone during proestrus and estrus and compare it with the results of cytological examination vaginal smears
analyze data on the timing of mating and fertilization in connection with the endocrine status and degree of maturity of the vaginal epithelium in order to determine the optimal parameters for mating

The study involved 22 dogs aged from 1.5 to 7 years in different periods proestrus and estrus. The concentration of progesterone and estradiol in blood serum was determined enzyme immunoassay method using a vertical scanning analyzer and special diagnostic kits on the basis of the clinical and biochemical laboratory of St. Petersburg State Medical University. Smears were taken with sterile cotton swabs from the lateral vaginal vault, the preparations were fixed with a special May-Grunwald dye and counterstained with Romanovsky-Giemsa dye. In the smears, the percentage of parabasal, intermediate, superficial-intermediate and superficial cells out of 100 cells was calculated.

Analyzing the results obtained, we identified general pattern changes in hormone dynamics for all studied animals and identified the following phases of proestrus:

1. Relative rest phase. Continues from the beginning of emptying for 5-15 days. Despite pronounced changes condition of the external genitalia, the level of progesterone and estradiol is at a relatively low level, not exceeding the normative values ​​corresponding to the stage of anestrus. It is believed that during this period the development of primordial follicles is stimulated, the proliferation of granulosa cells under the influence of FSH occurs.
2. The phase of the beginning of the growth of estradiol. Within 2 - 3 days after the first phase, a slight increase in the concentration of estradiol is detected. During this period, the follicles continue to mature and synthesize a sufficient amount of estrogens, which, in turn, stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone.
3. The phase of the beginning of progesterone growth. Under the influence of luteotropin, steroidogenesis in the follicles switches to the production of progesterone. In the future, the increase in progesterone will continue, bypassing ovulation, up to the metestrus stage. However, one more phase stands out:
4. Estradiol peak phase. The duration of this phase is 1 - 3 days. A sharp release of estrogen is caused by death large number follicles that have not reached final maturity with the release of large amounts of follicular fluid. Peak concentrations of estradiol, determined in the blood, lead to a powerful release of GnRH by the hypothalamus, and consequently to the secretion of gonadotropic hormones, most notably LH. The preovulatory release of luteotropin promotes a further increase in progesterone levels. The latter, together with FSH and LH, induces the synthesis of proteolytic enzymes in the ovaries, and a complex of factors (natriuretic peptide, angiotensin II, prolactin, neuropeptide Y, vasopressin, bradykinin) increase hydrostatic pressure in the follicular cavity.

Thus, under the influence of the above reasons, the follicular wall ruptures and ovulation occurs. According to various researchers, ovulation corresponds to a progesterone concentration in the range of 35 - 55 nmol/l. In our studies, we found that when progesterone increased to 32 - 43 nmol/l, quite sharp drop estradiol level.

The research results are presented in the table.

DYNAMICS OF CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF PROGESTERONE AND ESTRADIOL DURING THE STAGES OF PROESTRUS AND ESTRUS IN BITCHES

It should be noted that there is a clear relationship between the hormonal status during a specific emptying period and the cytological picture of vaginal smears. Thus, smears taken in the 1st phase of proestrus were characterized big amount erythrocytes, the epithelium was represented mainly by parabasal cells (67.4 + 4.3%) and intermediate (30.5 + 2.8%). Superficial intermediate cells were rare (3.1+0.4%). In the second phase, the ratio of cells changed slightly: the content of intermediate cells increased to 47.3+3.7% and superficial intermediate cells to 15.6±2.1%, while the percentage of parabasal cells decreased to 37.1+1.2%. Further estrogenization leads to proliferation of the vaginal epithelium, as evidenced by a change in the cytological profile at stage 3 of proestrus towards an increase in the percentage of superficial intermediate cells (32.4±2.0%) and the appearance of single superficial cells (4.1±0.32%) . The proportion of intermediate cells decreased to 42.0+2.6%, and parabasal cells - to 21.5+1.8%. Quite dramatic cytological changes occurred in phase 4 - peak concentrations of estradiol led to a significant increase in the most mature cells. Percentage During this period, superficial epithelial cells amounted to about 76.3+4.9%, many of which were anucleate. The proportion of superficial-intermediate and intermediate was 20.4±1.6% and 3.3+0.3%, respectively. It should be noted that many cells changed their sensitivity to the dye, becoming zosinophilic. And finally, during estrus, almost all vaginal epithelial cells in the smear were superficial (91.3+ 3.2%), most of them lacked a nucleus. And only 8.7+0.34% were superficial intermediate cells.

We examined 17 bitches to determine the optimal breeding day. Preliminarily excluded the presence hidden infections by PCR diagnostic method. During the emptying period, the levels of progesterone and estradiol were determined in each individual, as well as a cytological examination of vaginal smears. We recommended planning mating at a progesterone level of 30-35 nmol/l and again after 48 hours. The fertilization rate was 100%.

Progesterone concentration is a key criterion for determining the timing of ovulation, but determination of estradiol levels and cytological examination of vaginal smears provide valuable clarifying data. When making your first visit during pregnancy, we recommend doing the first test on days 3-5 of proestrus. At low concentrations sex hormones and the absence of proliferative changes in the vaginal epithelium, repeated tests should be taken after 3-4 days. It should be noted that when progesterone begins to rise, it is possible to predict the dynamics of its changes by doing at least two studies with an interval of 48 hours. According to our research, on average, the level of this hormone in the blood increases by 6.52 nmol/l per day, however, individual schedules should be followed. We recommend using the data we receive to practical work veterinary specialists and dog handlers.

Vasilyeva S.V., Vasiliev R.M.
St. Petersburg State Academy of Veterinary Medicine

Smear for readiness for mating or vaginal smear cytology is an approximate method for determining the stage of a bitch’s reproductive cycle in order to identify the most optimal days for fertilization.

Principle of the method

Evaluation of vaginal smear cytology is based on sequential changes cellular composition vaginal mucosa during the sexual cycle. The vaginal wall consists of several layers of epithelium. Cells of the most surface layers epithelium (keratinizing cells) are practically devoid of a nucleus, irregularly angular in shape, with slightly colored cytoplasm. Cells of deeper layers (basal and parabasal) - small size, round, with well-stained cytoplasm and a large nucleus.

The number of superficial keratinizing cells reflects the level of estrogen production by ovarian follicles and increases progressively with the onset of peak favorable period for fertilization. Before ovulation, the number of keratinizing cells can reach 100%. However, the accuracy of the cytological method depends on many factors and can lead to discrepancies of up to 3-5 days.

Advantages of the vaginal smear method

• a simple and inexpensive method for diagnosing the optimal timing for fertilization
• painless and minimal discomfort for the dog
• the ability to quickly get results

Technique for taking a vaginal smear

When taking a vaginal smear, it is advisable to use a vaginoscope to prevent cells from the vaginal vestibule from entering the sample.

To obtain a smear, a cotton swab moistened with sterile saline solution. The tampon is passed along the vaginal vault and rolled over the glass. The smear is then dried and stained.

Interpretation of vaginal smear cytology

• anestrus (period of sexual rest) - basal and parabasal cells in small quantity
• proestrus (beginning of estrus) - intermediate cells appear, which are a transitional stage between parabasal and keratinizing
• estrus (ovulation) - keratinizing cells predominate - “glasses” arranged in a “tile”
• diestrus (phase after ovulation and before the period of sexual rest) - intermediate, then parabasal, basal cells and neutrophils appear

Determining the optimal timing for mating

Depending on the expected date of ovulation, examination of vaginal smears begins 5-7 days from the beginning of discharge. A rapid increase in the number of keratinizing cells signals the need to control the level of progesterone in the blood, which is a more accurate criterion for the timing of ovulation.

If we rely only on the cytology of the vaginal smear, then in most cases, mating can be carried out if more than 80% of keratinizing cells are present in the smear.

Prices, rub.

The price does not include Supplies And additional work

Question: What tests does a cat need to undergo before sterilization?

Hello! Tests are advisable, but are done at the discretion of the owner. Cost of biochemical and general analysis about 2100 rubles. Ultrasound of the heart – 1700 rubles. The operation is performed by two methods - abdominal (5500 rubles) and endoscopic (7500 rubles). In both cases, both the uterus and ovaries are removed, but endoscopic surgery less traumatic.

Question: my cat has bloody stool, what could be the reason?