Cytology in veterinary practice. A review of clinical cytology--body fluids, lymph nodes and skin neoplasms

A review over the most applicable areas of veterinary clinical cytology is given. The areas described are body fluids, lymph nodes and selected skin neoplasms. The review includes tables that survey general and specific cytologic criteria and is supplemented by photomicrographs. A classification of effusions according to cytologic criteria is discussed and there is a short discussion of 62 cases which also included histopathology.     

Digestion of bentiromide and absorption of xylose in healthy cats and absorption of xylose in cats with infiltrative intestinal disease

The digestion of bentiromide and the absorption of D-xylose was measured in 17 clinically healthy cats. The plasma xylose concentrations of the healthy cats were compared with values from 9 cats with diffuse infiltrative intestinal disease. The cats were administered 16.7 mg of bentiromide/kg and 0.5 g of xylose/kg via a stomach tube. Plasma samples were obtained before administration and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administration. The maximum mean plasma p-aminobenzoic acid concentration occurred at 60 minutes, with a value of 386 +/- 134 micrograms/dl (mean +/- SD). The maximum mean plasma xylose concentration also occurred at 60 minutes, with a value of 26.0 +/- 9.2 mg/dl. Plasma concentrations of p-aminobenzoic acid and xylose were lower in healthy cats than those reported for healthy dogs. There was no significant difference between xylose concentrations in healthy cats and cats with infiltrative intestinal disease.     

Scanning electron microscopic studies of megakaryocytes and platelet formation in the dog and rat

Megakaryocyte morphology and platelet formation in canine and murine bone marrows were studied by scanning electron microscopy. In situ-fixed bone marrow preparations and cell suspensions of bone marrow provided complementary information for the 2 species (dogs and rats). Cylindrical processes (proplatelets) of variable length and thickness, originating from the megakaryocyte surface, were in the larger marrow sinusoids and the central vein. Regional constrictions along the length of proplatelets, particularly near their apical region, and the presence of fragments of such processes supported the concept of platelet formation through segmentation of proplatelets. Megakaryocytes presented varied morphology. Surface features resembling platelets were observed on megakaryocytes, indicating that platelets may have been released through surface budding. In conclusion, megakaryocytes formed long proplatelet processes that actively migrated to venous sinusoids to release platelets by fragmentation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a complex and variable megakaryocyte surface topography. The platelet-like structures on megakaryocyte surfaces may represent platelet release by a budding mechanism. The similarity between murine platelet release and canine platelet release demonstrates that data from rodent models may be applicable to nonrodents.     

Radiographic features of canine hyperadrenocorticism caused by autonomously functioning adrenocortical tumors: 23 cases (1978-1986)

Radiographic features of 23 dogs with functioning adrenocortical tumors are described. In 56% of the dogs, radiographic detection of adrenomegaly, with or without calcification, was an aid in the diagnosis of adrenocortical neoplasia. Adrenal gland calcification did not distinguish adrenocortical adenoma from carcinoma.     

Laboratory aspects of cancer

Hematologic alterations unrelated to neoplastic bone marrow involvement include polycythemia, anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathies. Serum globulin levels may be increased or decreased, depending on the type of neoplasm. Plasma fibrinogen and fibrin degradation product concentrations are usually elevated in cancer patients, whereas cancer patients with DIC have low plasma fibrinogen concentrations. Hypercalcemia can be a sequel of osseous metastases. Neoplasia may cause the nephrotic syndrome in some patients. Effusions should be examined microscopically for signs of malignancy. Elevated serum enzyme levels are not specific in neoplastic disease.     

Diagnostic approach to polydipsia and polyuria

A variety of metabolic disturbances account for the majority of cases of polydipsia and polyuria. This chapter presents guides to differential diagnosis as well as a discussion of the etiology and clinical features of the primary causes--central diabetes insipidus, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and psychogenic polydipsia.