This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Cell Cytology - a Growing Clinical Diagnostic Aid in Practice

The use of diagnostic cytology is increasing in importance as a tool to assist clinicians in veterinary practice. The techniques are relatively cheap, easy and quick to perform although accurate differentiation of cell types and interpretation of disease processes requires considerable specialist skill. 

First opinion clinicians who have undergone training will find cell cytology a very useful diagnostic aid as in this case in which the photograph is of a conjunctival scraping taken from a cat with conjunctivitis. The initial body of Chlamydofila felia can clearly be seen (C)  in the cytoplasm of a squamous cell thus confirming the diagnosis as Chlamydial conjunctivitis (Romanowski-type stain, original magnification x100)

This photograph is taken and modified from an excellent reference on cytology "Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Dog and Cat" by Cowell, Tyler and Meinkoth. The image has been reproduced here  with the kind permission of Harcourt Publishers. 

Last updated : October 2013