Vaginal cytology, vaginoscopy and progesterone profile: breeding tools in bitches

The exfoliative vaginal cytology, vaginoscopic examination of vaginal mucosa and progesterone profiles were recorded in an attempt to identify the ideal time of breeding in bitches. A total of 18 anestrus bitches were selected and divided into 03 groups (Control, CABG and eCG groups). The bitches in control group did not receive any treatment and exhibited estrus. The estrus was induced with Cabergoline (CABG) and equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) in the other two groups of bitches. In control group, higher percentage of superficial cells (89.94 ± 0.64) and lower percentage of intermediate (7.30 ± 0.77) and parabasal cells (2.76 ± 0.30) were characteristic vaginal cytological changes during estrus. Vaginoscopic examination of CABG group of bitches revealed that the vaginal mucus was creamy and paper white with angular shrinkage during estrus. In eCG group of bitches, the plasma progesterone concentration was 1.55 ± 0.19 ng/ml on day 8.00 ± 0.71 of proestrus. The conception rates were 66.66, 83.33 and 83.33 per cent in Control, Cabergoline and eCG groups, respectively. The litter size varied from 3.50 + 1.12 to 4.83 + 0.83 in the three groups.