Effect of sterilization on the canine vaginal microbiota: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Surgical sterilization is the most effective method of contraception for dogs. It also prevents pyometra and reduces the risk of mammary tumour development. However, this procedure also has negative effects, such as urinary incontinence. Steroid hormone deprivation following gonadectomy could also affect canine vaginal mucosa conditions and the microbial community colonizing the vaginal tract. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the vaginal cytology and microbial community of two groups of bitches, including 11 in anoestrus and 10 sterilized bitches (post-pubertal sterilization in the last 4 years). Bacteria were identified through metataxonomic analysis, amplifying the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene, and culturing methods.

Results

Vaginal mucosa cytology was

SUBMITTER: Rota A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7684734 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature