Videovaginoscopy of the canine vagina.

Endoscopy enables a rapid and non-traumatic examination of the vaginal cavity of female dogs. Its implementation requires specific equipment as well as knowledge about the species-specific vaginal anatomy and the procedure. Vaginoscopy is the diagnostic tool of choice for several vaginal conditions and diseases such as congenital abnormalities, neoplasia or ectopic ureter. Furthermore, vaginal inspection may provide additional information in cases of vulvar discharge or infertility. Vaginoscopy is a superior tool compared to other methods in assisted reproduction. Changes of the vaginal mucosa during the oestrous cycle can be observed to determine the hormonal actions and the time of ovulations in addition to other routine examinations, such as progesterone assay and vaginal cytology. Finally, intrauterine insemination, which is recommended for insemination with frozen-thawed semen, can be performed endoscopically by transcervical catheterization.