Feline sporotrichosis: Characterization of cutaneous and extracutaneous lesions using different diagnostic methods.

Sporotrichosis is a mycotic infection of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues caused by Sporothrix spp. that can also cause extracutaneous manifestations. This study aimed to characterize cutaneous and extracutaneous sporotrichosis lesions in cats. Over 1 year, 102 cats rescued by the Zoonoses Control Center of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, euthanized with clinical suspicion of feline sporotrichosis were evaluated. After euthanasia, the animals were evaluated by macroscopic, cytological, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations; fungal culture; and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sporothrix infection was identified by at least one diagnostic technique in all cats (n = 102) evaluated by postmortem examination, including 26/28 cases (93%) evaluated by IHC, 66/90 cases (73%) evaluated by cytology, 70/102 cases (68.6%) evaluated by histopathology, and 62/74 cases (84%) evaluated by fungal culture. Two cats had positive results only by fungal culture. Cytology and histopathology examinations were effective in diagnosing sporotrichosis, although IHC was needed to confirm the diagnosis in cats with low fungal loads. Sporothrix brasiliensis was confirmed by the sequencing of 3 samples. Skin lesions were characterized mainly by pyogranulomatous to granulomatous dermatitis (frequently with subcutaneous inflammation) with different intensities of Sporothrix spp. yeast. Extracutaneous findings associated with sporotrichosis included rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, lymphadenitis, pneumonia, meningitis, periorchitis, conjunctivitis, and glossitis. Extracutaneous infections were observed in 74/102 cases, and a possible association between the chronicity of the disease and the higher pathogenicity of this fungal species in cats requires further investigation.

Vaginal swab cytology as a diagnostic tool for neoplasia of the lower urinary tract in 5 dogs.

Urothelial carcinoma (UC), or transitional cell carcinoma, is the most common canine urothelial malignancy in dogs. Females are predisposed and provide a challenge for diagnostic tumor sampling. The objectives of this study were to investigate the use and tolerability of vaginal swab cytology for UC diagnosis. Five dogs were identified with non-diagnostic urine sediment cytology and UC diagnosed on vaginal cytology with confirmation by another means. All patients tolerated the vaginal swab with minimal restraint. This study confirms the potential of vaginal swab cytology as a simple, inexpensive, and well-tolerated means for lower urinary tract UC diagnosis in female dogs. Key clinical message: Vaginal swab cytology is a non-invasive, low-cost method of obtaining a sample for cytological assessment for UC.

La cytologie vaginal par écouvillonnage comme outil de diagnostic de la néoplasie des voies urinaires inférieures chez cinq chiennes. Le carcinome urothélial (CU), ou carcinome à cellules transitionnelles, est la tumeur maligne urothéliale canine la plus courante. Les femelles sont prédisposées et constituent un défi pour l'échantillonnage diagnostique des tumeurs. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d'étudier l'utilisation et la tolérabilité de la cytologie vaginale par écouvillonnage pour le diagnostic du CU. Cinq chiennes ont été identifiées avec une cytologie des sédiments urinaires non diagnostique et un CU diagnostiqué sur la cytologie vaginale avec confirmation par un autre moyen. Toutes les patientes ont toléré le prélèvement vaginal avec un minimum de contention. Cette étude confirme le potentiel de la cytologie vaginale par écouvillonnage en tant que moyen simple, peu coûteux et bien toléré pour le diagnostic du CU des voies urinaires inférieures chez les chiennes.Message clinique clé :La cytologie vaginale par écouvillonnage est une méthode non-invasive et peu coûteuse pour obtenir un échantillon pour évaluation cytologique du CU.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Usefulness of squash preparation cytology in the diagnosis of canine urinary bladder carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial cells show varying degrees of cytologic atypia in dogs with nonmalignant lesions (NML) and carcinomas (ubC) of the bladder, making histopathologic examination necessary for a definitive diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of squash preparation cytology and identify several cytomorphologic features of ubC to assist in diagnoses. METHODS: Squash preparations were made and reviewed in dogs that underwent transurethral cystoscopy. The results were compared with histopathologic diagnoses. Two cytopathologists performed blinded assessments using a scoring system established for 11 cytologic features, including the presence of macronuclei, abnormal nucleoli, atypical mitoses, signet ring cells, multinucleated cells, nuclear molding, anisokaryosis, cytoplasmatic microvacuolization, cell arrangements, and neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltrations. Based on cytologic and histopathologic diagnoses, dogs were divided into ubC and NML groups. Associations between cytologic and histopathologic diagnoses were investigated, and agreement between the cytopathologists was calculated. Cytologic features were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression models. The performance of predictors in the final model was evaluated in terms of Sensitivity (Se), Specificity (Sp), accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), likelihood ratio positive (LR+), and negative (LR-) values, and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). RESULTS: Forty-four dogs diagnosed with ubC, and 17 with NML were included in the study. Cytologic and histopathologic diagnoses were significantly associated with each cytopathologist. There was an almost perfect agreement between cytopathologists (κ = 0.88). The absence of neutrophilic infiltration, the presence of multinucleated cells, and nuclear molding were associated with ubC; using a combination of these features in parallel testing resulted in Se = 0.98, Sp = 0.65, accuracy = 0.89, PPV = 0.88, NPV = 0.92, LR + =2.77, LR- = 0.04, and DOR = 7.7. CONCLUSIONS: Squash preparation cytology could be a reliable technique to diagnose ubC in dogs. The best diagnostic combination was the absence of neutrophilic infiltration, multinucleated cells, and nuclear molding.

Evaluation of mare endometrial cytology using the novel cytotape technique.

The cytobrush is considered the method of choice to obtain endometrial samples. Rigid brush fibers, however, may induce endometrial irritation and bleeding, or cell fragmentation, decreasing quality and diagnostic value of the samples. It was hypothesized that samples collected using a novel cytotape would provide sample smears of greater quality and less blood contamination than the cytobrush. Endometrial samples were collected with a cytotape and a cytobrush from ten mares without endometritis. Endometritis was then induced with artificial insemination, and samples were again collected 6 h after insemination. A cytology smear and bacterial culture were prepared from each sample. The collection methods and times were compared in terms of number and integrity of endometrial cells; number, integrity, and percentage of neutrophils; number of red blood cells, and number of colony-forming units. Frequency of positive cytology and culture was compared when there was use of each technique. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of cytology and culture for each technique was calculated using endometrial biopsy as the gold standard. While all samples had adequate and comparable cellularity and cell integrity, cytotape samples had less red blood cell contamination compared to cytobrush samples (P < 0.05). The number and percentage of PMNs, frequency of positive cytology diagnosis, number of colony-forming units and frequency of positive cultures did not differ between collection methods. In conclusion, the cytotape is a rapid, easy, and practical technique that can provide endometrial samples with similar diagnostic value to the cytobrush, but with less blood contamination.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Direct Panfungal Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay Performed on Stained Cytology Slides.

Molecular techniques are increasingly being applied to stained cytology slides for the diagnosis of neoplastic and infectious diseases. Such techniques for the identification of fungi from stained cytology slides have not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of direct (without nucleic acid isolation) panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing for identification of fungi and oomycetes on stained cytology slides from dogs, cats, horses, and other species. Thirty-six cases were identified with cytologically identifiable fungi/oomycetes and concurrent identification via fungal culture or immunoassay. Twenty-nine controls were identified with no cytologically or histologically visible organisms and a concurrent negative fungal culture. Direct PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region followed by sequencing was performed on one cytology slide from each case and control, and the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were calculated. The sensitivity of the panfungal PCR assay performed on stained cytology slides was 67% overall, 73% excluding cases with oomycetes, and 86% when considering only slides with abundant fungi. The specificity was 62%, which was attributed to amplification of fungal DNA from control slides with no visible fungus and negative culture results. Direct panfungal PCR is capable of providing genus- or species-level identification of fungi from stained cytology slides. Given the potential of panfungal PCR to amplify contaminant fungal DNA, this assay should be performed on slides with visible fungi and interpreted in conjunction with morphologic assessment by a clinical pathologist.

Influence of locoregional lymph node aspiration cytology vs sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy on disease stage assignment in dogs with integumentary mast cell tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of sentinel lymph node (SLN) histology vs locoregional lymph node (LRLN) fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology on assigned disease stage and adjunctive treatment recommendations and describe the incidence of anatomic disparity between the LRLN and SLN. STUDY DESIGN: A pre-post study refers to a study design type in which subjects are compared pre and post the intervention of interest. ANIMALS: Seventeen dogs undergoing primary excision of 20 cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumors (MCT). METHODS: Client-owned dogs presenting to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for surgical removal of a cytologically confirmed cutaneous or subcutaneous MCT >1 cm in diameter were enrolled. Cytological examination of FNA from the LRLN was compared with histology of the SLN. The SLN was identified by indirect computed tomographic lymphangiography (ICTL) after peritumoral injection of iopamidol and scanning at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Histopathologic node score > 1 was considered metastatic. After case review by an oncologist, LRLN FNA cytology was compared with SLN histology for effect on changes in stage assignment and adjunctive treatment recommendations. RESULTS: Mast cell tumors were graded as 2 low (n = 11), 2 high (n = 2), and subcutaneous (n = 7). Optimal scan timing was 10 minutes after injection of iopamidol. Sentinel lymph node differed anatomically from LRLN in 5 of 18 scans. Metastases were detected by histology in 9 of 20 SLN compared with in 1 of 20 FNA of LRLN (P = .001), changing stage and adjunctive treatment recommendations 8 of 20 tumors. Only 6 of 19 LRLN FNA samples were diagnostic. CONCLUSION: Sentinel lymph nodes were consistently identified with ICTL and differed from LRLN in one-quarter of tumors. Histopathological examination of SLN altered recommendations in half of the dogs compared with the previous standard of care. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Indirect computed tomographic lymphangiography and SLN excision should be considered as a new standard for dogs with MCT.

Evaluation of cytology and histopathology for the diagnosis of feline orbital neoplasia: 81 cases (2004-2019) and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an updated overview of feline orbital neoplasia, to compare diagnostic utility of cytology and histopathology, and to evaluate minimally invasive sampling modalities. PROCEDURES: A medical records search was performed to identify cats with orbital neoplasia. Data were collected regarding signalment, diagnosis, vision status, imaging modalities, and sample collection methods. A reference population with orbital neoplasia was also identified via literature search for comparison with regard to final diagnosis. RESULTS: Eighty-one cats met selection criteria and 140 cases were identified in the literature. In the study and reference populations, respectively, diagnoses were grouped as follows: round cell tumors 47% and 24%, epithelial tumors 38% and 40%, mesenchymal tumors 14% and 34%, and neurologic origin tumors 1% and 2%. The most common diagnoses in both groups were lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Feline restrictive orbital myofibroblastic sarcoma (FROMS) was common in the reference population but not diagnosed in the study population. Cytology results were available for 41 cats; histopathology results were available for 65 cats. Both cytology and histopathology results were available for 25 cats, in 44% of which cytologic results were overturned. No significant complications were associated with any sampling method. Lack of cats with multiple samples available for histopathology limited comparison between tissue sampling methods. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital neoplasia is common in cats, with round cell and epithelial tumors diagnosed most commonly in the study population. Histopathology is superior to cytology in providing a definitive diagnosis. Minimally invasive tissue biopsy techniques appear to be safe and effective.

Practical Tips on Sample Handling for Hematology, Chemistry, and Cytology Testing for Equine Patients:: Getting More Bang for your Buck.

Clinical pathology results are only as good as the quality of samples and accompanying information submitted to the diagnostic laboratory. The frustration of nondiagnostic or equivocal test results can often be avoided by taking the time to follow sample handling and submission guidelines. This article discusses preanalytical errors that commonly affect the accuracy of hematology, chemistry, and cytology testing, and offers practical tips for preventing these errors and maximizing diagnostic yield.

Hematology Red Flags: The Value of Blood Smear Examination in Horses.

This article uses a case-based approach, complemented with diagnostic algorithms and images, to highlight hematologic changes of pathologic relevance in horses, namely, marked erythrocytosis, anemia or leukocytosis, inflammatory leukograms, lymphocytosis in adult horses, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia. These hematologic abnormalities occur with certain diseases and their identification can help clinicians narrow to down differential diagnostic lists. This article highlights the importance of blood smear examination, particularly, but not only, when numerical red flags are identified on automated blood counts.

Feline Sporothrix spp. detection using cell blocks from brushings and fine-needle aspirates: Performance and comparisons with culture and histopathology.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis is an emerging zoonotic mycosis that presents as a cutaneous lymphatic or disseminated disease, caused by fungi from the Sporothrix schenkii (S schenkii) clinical clade. Its importance is growing, primarily due to an outbreak that occurred in Brazil, affecting mainly cats and people. OBJECTIVES: In Brazil, an S schenkii diagnosis is often made using cultures, which allows genus identification and sufficient growth to perform molecular biology testing. Despite its advantages, fungal cultures are slow to develop and can delay public health measures, highlighting the importance of developing additional diagnostics techniques. METHODS: Cell block cytology (CBLC) is an older method that regained importance after liquid-based cytology (LBC) was introduced, and it has been previously and successfully applied to veterinary diagnostics. We aimed to standardize and compare CBLC from cervical brush exfoliation of open wounds and fine-needle aspirates with culture and immunohistochemistry of skin biopsies for sporotrichosis in cats, as a novel method. RESULTS: For this purpose, we selected 40 cats with skin lesions suspected of having sporotrichosis in Guarulhos city, São Paulo state, Brazil. We achieved 97.5% and 95% positivity using CBLC and culture, respectively, and 100% of feline skin biopsies were positive for Sporothrix spp on histopathology/immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: Cell block cytology is an efficient and rapid tool to diagnose sporotrichosis in cats, particularly during epidemics.

Accuracy of ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of prostate diseases in dogs.

Clinical signs of prostatic diseases in dogs are often non-specific. Appropriate treatment should be based on a detailed investigation using reliable diagnostic tools. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in dogs' prostate diseases. The mean accuracy of FNA cytology and US were 0.72 and 0.88 (n = 13), respectively. US gland size measurements and actual gland dimensions were highly concordant. Obtained results confirm the high diagnostic value of US and FNA biopsy and in prostatic diseases. Diagnosis based on US is highly reliable; however, it should be combined with clinical signs. Therefore, cytological evaluation of prostate gland material may be performed to differentiate or confirm presumptive diagnosis.

Bacteriological, cytological and histopathological evaluation of the reproductive tract of slaughtered cows / Avaliação bacteriológica, citológica e histopatológica do trato reprodutivo de vacas abatidas

Reproductive diseases, mainly endometritis, are important hurdles in cattle raising, In the current study we evaluated gross, bacteriological, cytological, and histological findings from selected sites of the genital from 23 slaughtered cows and tested whether there is an association between these findings and the probability of reaching a reliable diagnosis. The results from the examinations of macroscopic aspects of uterine secretions, the cytological, bacteriological, and histopathological findings were then correlated. There was no significant correlation (P>0.05) of the statistical data from different parts of the genital tract. Trueperella pyogenes and Escherichia coli were isolated from the vagina in 3/23 cases. In only 2/23 samples Enterococcus faecalis and a gram-negative, oxidase-positive bacteria were isolated from the cervix uteri. Only Staphylococcus epidermidis, in 1/23 case, was isolated from the uterus. Histopathological findings in uterus from samples of Groups II (moderate lesions) and III (severe lesions) did not translated in grossly visible changes. Samples from reproductive tracts with secretion in the vagina and cervix uteri had no detectable changes in the other parameters analyzed from this portion. Uterus with positive bacterial culture had evidence of ascendant inflammation judging by the high granulocyte count in the three analyzed portions. This study reinforces that vaginitis and cervicitis in the cow diagnosed only by clinical examination does not reflect the real status of the uterine health. For this reason, treatment of uterine disorders should be conducted based on reliable tests to determine the appropriate therapy for each situation.(AU)

Doenças reprodutivas causam altas perdas econômicas nos rebanhos bovinos, sendo a endometrite uma das alterações mais relevantes. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar a associação dos achados fisiopatológicos em exames macroscópicos, bacteriológicos, citológicos e histopatológicos nas porções do trato genital de 23 vacas abatidas, bem como avaliar a necessidade de associação destes exames para efetuar diagnóstico fidedigno. A avaliação macroscópica da secreção, os exames histopatológico, citológico e as bactérias identificadas foram correlacionados. Não houve associação (P>0,05) dos resultados nas diferentes porções do trato genital. Na vagina foram isoladas as bactérias Trueperella pyogenes e Escherichia coli. Na cérvix, em apenas 2/23 (8,6%) amostras isolou-se Enterococcus faecalis e gram negativo oxidase positiva. No útero houve isolamento apenas da bactéria Staphylococcus epidermidis. As amostras histopatológicas classificadas em grupo II e III não apresentaram alterações detectadas no exame macroscópico. As amostras com secreção não fisiológica na vagina e cérvix não apresentaram alterações nos outros exames na porção uterina. A amostra com cultura bacteriológica positiva no útero demonstrou uma infecção ascendente através da alta contagem de granulócitos nas três porções analisadas. O presente estudo reforça o conceito de que a vaginite e cervicite diagnosticadas pelo exame clinico na vaca não retratam o real status da saúde uterina e por esta razão, o tratamento do útero deve ser conduzido com critério, alicerçado nos exames complementares para definir a terapia adequada para cada situação.(AU)

Diagnostic performance of cytology for assessment of hepatic lipid content in dairy cattle.

The objective of our study was to characterize the diagnostic performance of cytology for assessing hepatic lipid content (HLC) in dairy cows by comparing microscopic evaluation of lipid vacuolation in touch imprint slide preparations of liver biopsies with quantitative measurement of triglyceride concentration ([TG]; mg/mg of wet weight) in paired biopsy samples. Our study also sought to compare the diagnostic performance of liver cytology, plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration ([NEFA]), and plasma ß-hydroxybutyrate concentration ([BHB]) derived from a measurement performed on whole blood, for assessing HLC. Chemical extraction of TG from liver tissue remains the gold standard for quantifying HLC, largely because available blood tests, although useful for detecting some types of pathology, such as increased lipid mobilization, ketosis, or hepatocellular injury, are nonspecific as to etiology. Veterinary practitioners can sample bovine liver for cytological evaluation in a fast, minimally invasive, and inexpensive manner. Thus, if highly predictive of HLC, cytology would be a practical diagnostic tool for dairy veterinarians. In our study, liver biopsy samples from Holstein cows (219 samples from 105 cows: 52 from cows 2 to 20 d prepartum, 105 from cows 0 to 10 d in milk, 62 from cows 18 to 25 d in milk) were used to prepare cytology slides and to quantify [TG] using the Folch extraction method followed by the Hantzch condensation reaction and spectrophotometric measurement. An ordinal scale (0-4) based on amount of hepatocellular cytoplasm occupied by discrete clear vacuoles was used by 3 blinded, independent observers to rank HLC in Wright-Giemsa-stained slides. Interobserver agreement in cytology scoring was good. Corresponding plasma [NEFA] and [BHB] measurements were available for 187 and 195 of the 219 samples, respectively. Liver [TG] correlated more strongly with cytology score than with NEFA or BHB, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that cytology had better diagnostic performance than either NEFA or BHB for correctly categorizing [TG] at thresholds of 5, 10, and 15%. Hepatic lipidosis in high-producing dairy cows is of major clinical and economic importance, and this study demonstrates that cytology is an accurate means of assessing HLC. Additional work is indicated to evaluate the diagnostic utility of liver cytology.

Deep tissue culture and hemoculture in dogs with wounds and sepsis / Cultura de tecido profundo e hemocultura em cães com feridas e sepse

Contaminated and infected wounds occur very frequently in veterinary medicine and can cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and death. This study aimed to test the feasibility of collecting wound material by deep-tissue or punch biopsy for microbial culture, determine the frequency of bacteria in the wound(s) and blood cultures and the susceptibility of these microbes to antimicrobials, and evaluate clinical parameters that could be related to prognosis. Thirty dogs with wounds and signs of SIRS/sepsis were included in this study. Bacteria were isolated from all wounds and 41 bacterial isolates could be identified based on culture of the materials collected by punch biopsy; 53.66% of the isolates were gram-negative, mainly involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus spp., and 46.34% were gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. The survival rate was 66.67%. Based on blood culture analysis, we identified bacteremia in seven patients, predominantly of gram-negative bacteria, which negatively affected patient survival, as six dogs died. Hypoglycemia (≤60mg/dL) and severe hyperglycemia (≥180mg/dL) also negatively affected survival as 23.33% of the hypo/hyperglycemic dogs died. Factors such as blood lactate level at admission and hematocrit levels, and mean arterial pressure were not significantly correlated with death or survival of the dogs.(AU)

As feridas contaminadas e infectadas em cães ocorrem com grande frequência na medicina veterinária e podem causar síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica, sepse e morte. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram verificar a viabilidade da técnica de coleta de material da ferida por biópsia para realização de cultura microbiana, determinar a frequência das bactérias nas culturas das feridas e hemoculturas e a susceptibilidade destes agentes aos antimicrobianos, bem como avaliar parâmetros clínicos que pudessem ser relacionados ao prognóstico em 30 cães com feridas e sinais de SIRS/sepse. Foram isoladas bactérias de todas as feridas e a técnica de coleta de material para cultura por biópsia permitiu a obtenção de 41 agentes microbianos, sendo isoladas 53,66% bactérias Gram negativas e 46,34% Gram positivas, principalmente Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Enterococcus spp. As bactérias gram positivas isoladas foram Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp. e Staphylococcus spp. A taxa de sobrevivência foi 66,67%. Na hemocultura constatou-se bacteremia em sete pacientes, com predominância de bactérias Gram negativas, o que influenciou negativamente na sobrevivência dos pacientes, pois seis cães vieram a óbito. A hipoglicemia (≤60mg/dL) ou hiperglicemia severa (≥180mg/dL), também influenciaram negativamente a sobrevivência, pois 23,33% dos pacientes hipo/hiperglicêmicos vieram a óbito. Já fatores como nível sérico de lactato na admissão do paciente, pressão arterial média (PAM) e hematócrito não apresentaram correlação estatística com o óbito ou sobrevivência destes pacientes.(AU)

Parâmetros citológicos e bioquímicos do líquido cefalorraquidiano coletado de bovinos sadios em dois momentos, com intervalo de 96 horas / Cerebrospinal fluid cytological and biochemical values of healthy cattle in two sampling times with an interval of 96 hours

A análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) é uma importante ferramenta no diagnóstico das doenças neurológicas dos bovinos. A coleta do LCR em diferentes momentos facilita o monitoramento do quadro clínico e/ou a avaliação da eficácia de tratamentos estabelecidos. Todavia, os efeitos de coletas consecutivas sobre os parâmetros citológicos e bioquímicos do LCR de bovinos saudáveis ainda não foram analisados. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar potenciais diferenças citológicas e bioquímicas no LCR de bovinos sadios, obtidos em dois momentos, com intervalo de 96 horas. O LCR foi submetido à análise citológica e à determinação do teor de proteína total. Na segunda coleta, verificou-se aumento significativo da celularidade, porém ainda dentro do intervalo de referência para a espécie, diminuição de linfócitos e elevação de células mononucleares em relação à primeira coleta. No entanto, os números de hemácias (/µL), células nucleadas (/µL), neutrófilos (%), eosinófilos (%) e a concentração da proteína total (mg/dL) continuaram dentro dos valores de referência 96 horas após a realização da primeira punção. Conclui-se que os procedimentos de coleta de LCR consecutivos não provocaram inflamação local detectável 96 horas após a primeira punção, o que sugere que, quando necessário, coletas de LCR seriadas, por si só, não interfeririam nos resultados do exame.(AU)

The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is important for the diagnosis of neurological diseases in cattle. However, the effect of consecutive collections on the cytological and biochemical parameters of the CSF has not been evaluated yet. The objective of the present study was to evaluate potential differences on the cytological and biochemical analysis of CSF obtained from healthy cattle at two sampling times with 96 hours of interval in between. Total and differential cell counts, and total protein concentration were analyzed in the CSF. Increased cellularity and significant reduction of lymphocyte and elevated numbers of mononuclear cells were observed on the second collection. However, erythrocyte count (/µl), total leukocyte count (/µl), neutrophils (%), eosinophils (%) and total protein concentration (mg/dl) remained within the reference range 96 hours after the completion of the first puncture. In conclusion, consecutive CSF collections cause no detectable local inflammation 96 hours after the first puncture suggesting that repeated collections do not interfere in the CSF results.(AU)

Citocentrifugação e métodos convencionais na citologia uterina de éguas em estro e diestro / Cytocentrifugation and conventional methods in endometrial cytology of estrus and diestrus mares

A citologia uterina consiste em método prático e eficiente para o diagnóstico de afecções uterinas na égua, contribuindo para a conduta terapêutica e o prognóstico quanto à fertilidade das fêmeas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar diferentes técnicas de coleta de material para citologia uterina em éguas, a fim de se verificarem possíveis diferenças qualitativas e quantitativas e a praticidade na execução das metodologias. Para tanto, 12 éguas multíparas foram submetidas ao exame citológico uterino, durante o estro e o diestro, por meio de escova ginecológica e lavado uterino de baixo volume. Com esse ensaio, observou-se que não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) no resultado da citologia uterina entre as diferentes técnicas avaliadas. No entanto, quando comparadas as fases do ciclo estral, houve uma diferença significativa (P<0,05) quanto ao percentual médio de polimorfonucleares neutrófilos, sendo de 8,07±2,80 no estro e de 1,55±0,28 no diestro. Conclui-se, desse modo, que as técnicas estudadas apresentaram resultados igualmente eficazes para detecção de neutrófilos ao exame citológico do útero em ambas as fases avaliadas do ciclo estral, apesar de, na fase de estro, a detecção de maior percentual de neutrófilos possibilitar um diagnóstico e um prognóstico mais precoces de endometrite e, portanto, uma conduta terapêutica mais adequada.(AU)

The endometrial cytology consists in an efficient and practical method for the diagnosis of uterine disorders in mares, contributing for therapeutic conduct and prognostic evaluation regarding the females' fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare different techniques of material sampling for endometrial cytology in mares, in order to verify possible qualitative and quantitative differences in the practicality of implementation of this methodology. Twelve multiparous mares underwent an endometrial cytological exam, during estrus and diestrus, by means of a cytobrush and a low-volume uterine flush. With this test, no statistical difference was observed (P>0.05) regarding the result of endometrial cytology between the evaluated techniques. However, in comparison to the estrous cycle's phases, a significant difference was verified (P<0.05) on the average percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils: 8.07±2.80 in estrus and 1.55±0.28 in diestrus. Thus, we conclude that the studied techniques presented equally effective results for the detection of neutrophils in the cytological exam for both evaluated stages of the estrous cycle, whereas in estrus phase, the detection of a higher percentage of neutrophils allows a more precocious diagnostic and prognostic of endometritis and, therefore, a more adequate therapeutic approach.(AU)

Urine Cytology: Collection, Film Preparation, and Evaluation.

Cytologic examination of the urine sediment in animals suspected of having urinary tract disease or lower urinary tract masses is one of the best means of distinguishing inflammation, infection, and neoplasia and can help determine if a positive dipstick result for hemoglobin/blood is due to hemorrhage or blood contamination. The quality of the specimen collection and handling plays an important role in the quality of results, the validity of interpretations, and selection of appropriate course of action. The method of sample collection aids localization of pathology. Air dry but do not heat fix, freeze, or expose films to formalin fumes, temperature extremes, or condensation.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Evaluation.

Important steps in bone marrow aspirate evaluation include determining if bone marrow evaluation is indicated; using appropriate aspirate collection, smear preparation, and staining techniques; and performing a systematic approach for the cytologic evaluation. The cytologic evaluation of bone marrow requires knowledge of the morphology of bone marrow cell types, the proportion of these cell types normally present, and the ability to evaluate overall cellularity of bone marrow. Accurate interpretation of bone marrow cytologic findings depends on evaluation of a current complete blood cell count. These components are the pillars of getting the most useful information in the diagnosis of hematologic disorders.

Common Infectious Organisms.

Cytology offers a rapid, relatively noninvasive means to identify lesions of all varieties including immune-mediated, degenerate, inflammatory, and neoplastic. One area that is particularly amenable to cytologic diagnosis is infectious disease. Organisms that can be seen and identified include fungal, bacterial, protozoal, parasitic, viral, and algal. Rapid identification of pathogenic organisms allows the practitioner to initiate treatment quickly, giving the patient the best chance for recovery.

Lymphoid Neoplasia: Correlations Between Morphology and Flow Cytometry.

Cytology is commonly used to diagnose lymphoma and leukemia. Frequently, a diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease can be obtained via cytology, and some of the common subtypes of canine lymphoma and leukemia can have characteristic cytologic features. Flow cytometry is a critical tool in the objective diagnosis and further characterization of lymphoma and leukemia. Features of the immunophenotype, such as expression of certain cell surface proteins or cell size, can provide important prognostic information. This review describes the cytologic features, flow cytometry immunophenotype, and immunophenotypic prognostic information for 6 major types of canine lymphoma and leukemia.