NEW TECHNIQUES USING TRANSCERVICAL UTERINE CANNULATION FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF UTERINE DISORDERS IN BITCHES

A technique for collecting uterine samples from bitches without the ne ed for surgery was developed. This technique involved visualizing the cervix with a rigid endoscope and passing a catheter through the cervi x into the uterus. Samples for microbiology and cytology were obtained by the infusion and aspiration of sterile normal saline. This techniq ue allowed uterine microbiology and cytology of the normal bitch throu ghout the reproductive cycle. Microorganisms were frequently recovered from the uterus during pro-oestrus and oestrus, but rarely at other s tages of the reproductive cycle. The uterine microflora often reflecte d the vaginal microflora during pro-oestrus and oestrus. The cells fou nd in uterine cytology samples from normal bitches included endometria l epithelial cells, leukocytes, erythrocytes, cervical cells, spermato zoa and bacteria. The types, proportions, morphology and numbers of ce lls varied throughout the reproductive cycle. The endoscope could be p assed into the uterus and the endometrium examined from parturition un til day 23 post partum. These procedures and contrast hysterography we re used to investigate the reproductive tract of bitches. The above te chniques have facilitated the diagnosis of postpartum metritis (n = 3) , pyometra (n = 2), endometritis (n = 1), abortion (n = 1), retained p lacenta (n = 1), postpartum uterine rupture (n = 1), endometrial subin volution (n = 1) and misalliance (n = 1) in 21 bitches investigated.