Comparison of the Cytology Brush and Cotton Swab in the Cytological Evaluation of the Endometrium in Mares with Regard to Fertility

The aim of this study was to compare the cytology brush (CB) and cotton swab (CS) in the cytological evaluation of the endometrium in mares with regard to fertility. The study was conducted on 26 mares displaying spontaneous estrus. Samples for cytological evaluation were taken from each mare by using commercially available CS and CB. After sample collection, all mares were mated in the same estrus, and pregnancy diagnosis was performed 14-18 days after last mating. No vaginal cells were found in smears, and the CB technique yielded significantly more cells/high-power field (HPF) than the CS technique. Additionally, more cases of endometritis were diagnosed using the CB than the CS. It was also shown that the degree of inflammation is more important in diagnosis of infertility in the mare than the mere presence or absence of inflammation. In conclusion, further studies are needed to establish more precise criteria for the interpretation of inflammation, especially if samples are collected using the CB.