endometrial cytology to diagnose subclinical endometritis in cows

Endometrial cytology is a method commonly used in gynaecological practice for the diagnosis of reproductive disorders in cattle. This is due to the unusual structure of the cervix, which make reaching the uterus difficult. Proper preparation and evaluation of cytological smears depend not only on the experience of the personal performing the examination but also on the selection of an appropriate method for obtaining material from the uterus. Cytological examination is performed in cows mainly in order to exclude or confirm subclinical endometritis when ultrasonography reveals only slight changes or no irregularities. Subclinical endometritis (SE) is defined as inflammation of the endometrium in the absence of any signs of clinical endometritis such as purulent vaginal discharge and is associated with delayed uterine involution. SCE is also known as cytological endometritis on the basis of “an elevated ratio of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) in endometrial cytology samples. Endometritis is indicated 21–33 d after parturition if leukocytes exceed 18% and 34–47 d after parturition if the percentage exceeds 10%.

Endometrial cytology is important for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis because absence of clinical signs.

Subclinical Endometritis has a negative effect on reproductive performance as it increases services per conception, the calving to first service interval and the calving to conception interval, reduces the risk of pregnancy and decreases the conception rate.