Uterine, cervical and vaginal microflora of the normal bitch throughout the reproductive cycle

Abstract

Samples for microbiological culture were collected from the uterus of bitches using transcervical uterine cannulation (31 samples, 23 bitches) and from the uterus, cervix and vagina post mortem (19 bitches) at all stages of the reproductive cycle. Samples were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and for aerobic mycoplasmas. Bacteria were always found in the uterus during pro-oestrus and oestrus (12 positive in 12 cultures) and rarely at other stages of the reproductive cycle: during anoestrus (one in 14) and other stages (none in 24). When microorganisms were detected at three sites post mortem, those found in the cervix and vagina were always of the same species as those found in the uterus. In six out of 13 instances, microorganisms were found in the cervix or vagina when none were found in the uterus. The mean number of isolates, number of bacteria seen in uterine cytology and bacterial growth were greater (P < 0.005) during oestrus and pro-oestrus than at other stages. Bacteria isolated from the uterus, in order of frequency, were Escherichia coli, Haemophilus species, alpha-haemolytic streptococci, Corynebacterium species, Streptococcus canis, Alcaligenes faecalis, Bacteroides species, Pasteurella species and Proteus mirabilis. No mycoplasmas were cultured from the samples. This study indicates that the uterus of the normal bitch has a uterine microflora during pro-oestrus and oestrus that is similar to that of the vagina and cervix.

Identification of Streptococcus canis Isolated from Milk of Dairy Cows with Subclinical Mastitis

“…equisimilis, S. anginosus (S. milleri), and S. intestinalis. S. canis was isolated mainly from dogs and cats, and in rare cases it was also isolated from the udders of lactating cows and other animal species (7,8,10,22,28,40). Isolation of S. canis from humans has also been reported sporadically (6,35,41).…”

Normal Bacterial Flora in Canine and Feline Uteri

“…A variety of organisms are normal inhabitants of the vagina of cats and dogs. 1,3,8,10 The normal flora of the canine uterus has not been thoroughly characterized, 1,8,10 and even less is known about the uterine flora of cats. 3 The purpose of this study was to identify uterine bacterial flora of clinically normal dogs and cats at various stages of the estrous cycle using aerobic, anaerobic, and mycoplasma isolation techniques and to correlate culture results with the stage of the estrous cycle and any gross or histologic lesions.…”

The influence of antibiotic treatment of bitches in oestrus on their attractiveness to males during mating

“…A substantial reduction of the amount of bacteria in the vagina is observed at the time of transition from estrus to dioestrus (increased number of neutrophils), and this is correlated with the abrupt reduction of the attractiveness of the bitches to the dogs. (Allen et al 1982, Baba et al 1983, Watts et al 1996, Grundy et al 2002, Janowski et al 2006, Ulgen et al 2010.…”