Questions
CASE 1 An 18-month-old male Siamese cat was referred for multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules that had only recently appeared. These were located on the trunk and left lip and on the fore- and hindlimbs. They measured approximately 2 cm in diameter and appeared rounded, smooth, and alopecic. Note the round, alopecic area on the left upper lip (1a). Multiple FNAs were obtained. A smear of one of the aspirates is shown (1b; May–Grünwald–Giemsa, ×40).
1Identify the cell population present in the smear.
2What is your interpretation?
CASE 2 A mass on the paw of a 9-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever is aspirated. Smears of the aspirate are shown (2a, b; both Wright–Giemsa, ×50 oil).
1Describe the cells seen.
2What is your cytologic interpretation?
3What differential diagnoses would you consider?
CASE 3 A 5-year-old neutered male Dachshund was referred for investigation of a raised skin lesion on the neck area. An FNA sample was collected and submitted for analysis. A smear of the sample is shown (3; Wright Giemsa, ×100 oil).
1What process is observed in the photomicrograph?
CASE 4 A 12-year-old Thoroughbred-cross gelding presented with a history of chronic weight loss. He had a poor coat and was emaciated at the time of referral. A peritoneal fluid specimen was submitted for body fluid analysis (erythrocyte count = 20 × 109/l; NCC = 15 × 109/l; TP = 32 g/l) and cytologic evaluation (4; Papanicolaou, ×100 oil). The RIs for equine (and bovine) pleural and abdominal fluid are shown below.
| Category | TP | NCC |
| Transudate | <15 g/l | <5 × 109/l |
| Modified transudate | 5–35 g/l | <15 × 109/l |
| Exudate | >35 g/l | >10 × 109/l |
1How would you classify this fluid?
2What cell types can be seen in the photomicrograph?
3What is your interpretation?
CASE 5 This straw colored ascitic fluid (5a) was obtained by abdominocentesis from a 2-year-old cat with a history of pyrexia and abdominal distension. Photomicrographs of the fluid are shown (5b, c; Wright–Giemsa, ×50 oil and ×100 oil, respectively). Laboratory data for the fluid revealed: TP = 65.5 g/l; SG = 1.042; NCC = 0.43 × 109/l; RBCs = 0.01 × 1012/l. Given the high fluid protein concentration, electrophoresis was requested (5d).
1Classify the fluid based on the photomicrographs and the laboratory data.
2Interpret the electrophoresis trace.
3Although the electrophoresis pattern is not pathognomonic for specific conditions, in the context of the other findings in this particular case, what diagnosis should be at the top of the differential list?
CASE 6 An 8 year-old spayed female Springer Spaniel was presented as an emergency for investigation of progressive ataxia of all four limbs, staggering, and behavioral changes. The dog had a solid mammary carcinoma surgically removed one year before. Neurologic examination and MRI indicated multifocal brain localization. A CSF sample was collected aseptically from the cisterna magna and revealed: total NCC = 30 cells/μl (RI = 0–6 cells/μl); RBCs = 90 cells/μl; protein = 0.25 g/l (RI = <0.35 g/l). A smear of the sample is shown (6a; Wright–Giemsa, ×50 oil).
1Describe the cells shown in the photomicrograph.
2What are your differential diagnoses based on these cytologic findings, and what additional tests would you recommend?
CASE 7 A firm ulcerated mass is noted on the jaw of a Friesian cow (7a). An FNA is collected. A smear of the aspi...
