Mary Jo Burkhard, DVM, PhD, DACVP

The first part of this session will discuss increased or atypical WBC morphology and describe clues to determine whether the process is leukemic or reactive in origin.

Mycobacteria do not stain with routine cytologic stains and can be difficult to visualize. However, careful examination of the cells and background material reveals the presence of distinctive negatively stained thin rod present both intra- and extracellularly.

Small lymphocytes are smaller in size than a neutrophil and have a round nuclei that takes up the majority of the cell. The nuclei contain densely aggregated chromatin forming large chromocenters (condensed chromatin).

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is an excellent adjunctive tool for evaluating internal organs. It is often diagnostic, requires little specialized equipment, and can rapidly provide useful information.

Normally, only a small amount (milliliters) of fluid are present in the thorax and abdomen. Effusions, defined as an accumulation of fluid in one or more body cavities result from multiple causes including increased hydrostatic pressure, decreased oncotic pressure, increased vascular permeability, decreased lymphatic drainage, infection, neoplastic infiltration, or rupture of organs or structures within the cavity.

Hemotropic parasites are often associated with hemolytic anemia.