[The use of exfoliative vaginal cytology for the gynecological evaluation of the bitch].

The relationship between the oestrus cycle of the bitch and the corresponding change in vaginal cytology as a reflection of the endocrine situation is described. The development of the vaginal epithelium is described using 2 staining techniques: a modified Papanicolaou-Shorr and the eosin-Thiazin stains. The use of vaginal smears in mating determination, oestrus suppression and prevention of nidation is discussed and a method of collecting vaginal material is described.