For what primary reason is vaginal cytology frequently utilized?

Vaginal cytology is primarily utilized to determine the estrus stage in female dogs and cats, specifically bitches and queens. This process involves examining the cells present in vaginal smears, which changes throughout the estrous cycle due to fluctuating hormone levels.

During the stages of the estrous cycle, the types of cells observed can indicate whether the animal is in proestrus, estrus, diestrus, or anestrus. For example, the presence of cornified epithelial cells indicates that a female is in estrus, or heat, when she is receptive to mating. This information is crucial for breeders to optimize breeding timing and improve reproductive outcomes.

While vaginal cytology can indeed provide insights into infections, reproductive health, and hormonal levels, its primary application in practice is to monitor the stages of estrus, which is critical for breeding management. This focus on reproductive timing makes it an essential tool for veterinarians working with breeding animals.