Uterus and vagina in Oestrus

During oestrus, the muscles of the uterus contract to the maximum. This is why the uterus is small and firm on examination.

The vaginal mucosae are usually pale pink and moist, as the uterus and cervix produce a (clear, stretchy) oestral mucus. The cervix may be open, up to the diameter of a pencil.

The vulva appears swollen and there is a clear, stretchy mucous discharge which is produced mainly in the cervix but also in the uterus.