During estrus in a bitch, what type of cells are observed on uterine cytology?

During estrus in a bitch, what type of cells are observed on uterine cytology?

• A. Parabasal cells
• B. Ciliated cells
• C. Cornified epithelium
• D. Glandular cells

Answer: (C)

Estrogen-driven cornification of the vaginal/uterine lining occurs during estrus, so cytology shows mostly cornified squamous epithelial cells. These cells are flattened and often anuclear due to keratinization, giving a characteristic shaggy or angular appearance. This contrasts with proestrus and early diestrus, where parabasal and intermediate cells (smaller, with nuclei) predominate. Ciliated cells aren’t the typical pattern for estrus, and glandular/endometrial secretory cells reflect gland activity rather than the surface epithelium’s state during estrus. So the presence of cornified epithelium best reflects estrus on cytology.

Estrogen-driven cornification of the vaginal/uterine lining occurs during estrus, so cytology shows mostly cornified squamous epithelial cells. These cells are flattened and often anuclear due to keratinization, giving a characteristic shaggy or angular appearance. This contrasts with proestrus and early diestrus, where parabasal and intermediate cells (smaller, with nuclei) predominate. Ciliated cells aren’t the typical pattern for estrus, and glandular/endometrial secretory cells reflect gland activity rather than the surface epithelium’s state during estrus. So the presence of cornified epithelium best reflects estrus on cytology.