Investigation of videovaginoscopic, cytological and microbiological examination results of the vagina in bitches

Abstract

Background: Different reproductive problems can be seen in bitches at any stage of reproductive life. These pathologies sometimes progress insidiously and are not noticed by the owners as the animals do not show any clinical signs; thus, detailed genital canal examinations should be performed routinely. Objectives: We aimed to investigate videovaginoscopic, cytological and microbiological examination findings of the bitches presented gynecologically healthy by their owners and to emphasize the necessity of routine gynecological examination. Materials and Methods: Totally, 30 bitches of different age and breed were examined gynecologically, and videovaginoscopy was performed following that cytological and microbiological specimens were taken. The sexual stages of bitches were determined according to videovaginoscopic and cytological findings. Results and Discussion: Videovaginoscopy revealed a cauliflower-like mass suspected as transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) in a case, pink mucosal color in 28 cases and pale pink mucosal color in 2 cases. Five cases had serous discharge. Cervical tubercles were invisible in 8 cases and the longitudinal dorsomedian fold was invisible in one case. Videovaginoscopically, estrous cycle stages of intact bitches were proestrus in 2 cases, anestrus in 7 cases, diestrus in 6 and transition from estrus to diestrus in 3 cases. Cytology pointed out the same with videovaginoscopic results. Microbiologically, Candida spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Staphylococcus intermedius and Streptococcus acidominimus were identified in cases in prepubertal stages. In the intact cases, Citrobacter freundii and S. schleiferi, Enterococcus faecalis, S. kloosii, S. saprophyticus were the other cultured microorganism. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured in spayed cases. Videovaginoscopic, cytological and microbiological examinations should be routinely recommended to the owners of the bitches even though they have no genital problem, but it is important to interpret all results together, since the presence of bacteria/white blood cells does not always mean a pathological condition.