CYTOLOGY

We examine the cells of the bitch through a microscope to ascertaining ovulation timings. Cells that are sloughed off change depending on the stages of ovulation, coinciding with the progesterone testing.

Estrus normally occurs 8 to 11 days after a bitch starts to discharge. It lasts 4 to 13 days and during this time the female can be bred. During this time a visual exam will indicate swelling of the vagina area and noticeably less blood in the discharge.  When the slides are examined there is a noticeable difference between proestrus cell formation and estrus cell formation. During estrus there are very few (if any) red blood cells (erythrocytes). There will be a dramatic increase in the cornified epithelial cells. They will often be stuck together in chunks. With normal bitches this is the time to start to breed naturally or do an A.I. (artificial insemination).