VPN Plus+ ExclusiveCytology for TechniciansAugust 11, 2022In this session: Juliann London, AAS, RVT, VTS (dermatology) discusses why cytologies are important in dermatology, covers the parts of a microscope, how to perform cytologies, and microscopic identification for technicians.
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A closer look at the benefits of cytologyMay 26, 2022When general practitioners encounter a lump or bump to diagnose, they usually harken back to phrases they heard in veterinary school such as, “tape, scrape, and DTM,” or “if it looks like ringworm, it’s probably staph,” or “garbage in, garbage out.”
Getting to the root of pyodermaMay 7, 2019Scaling, hair loss, papules, pustules, and epidermal collarettes. All are clinical signs pointing toward canine pyoderma. The culprit may seem clear at first glance; however, veterinarians must look at the bigger picture to address the underlining issue. It's important to first understand the meaning of pyoderma, particularly regarding the depth of infection, says Elizabeth Layne, DVM, Dipl. ACVD, clinical instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine. The most common form of pyoderma is superficial bacterial folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the upper part of the hair follicle, caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Deep bacterial infections (presented as swelling, nodular lesions, and oozing draining tracts) can occur, but that is a different diagnostic and therapeutic approach, Dr. Layne adds. Superficial bacterial pyoderma is almost always secondary to some kind of skin abnormality, such as atopic dermatitis. Other skin diseases (e.g. flea allergy dermatitis, sebaceous adenitis, or primary seborrhea) can also result in superficial pyoderma, Layne notes. Systemic illness or immune compromise may lead to superficial bacterial pyoderma as well. Since pyoderma commonly masks another condition, a vicious treatment cycle can ensue if the underlining problem isn't identified. "Veterinarians often recognize the signs of infection and treat with antibiotics …
Digital cytology: The future of clinical pathologyApril 12, 2019It's Friday afternoon and Mr. Rush is in your practice again with Smoosh, his nine-year-old boxer who has been lethargic for the past month. Last week's blood work revealed mild lymphocytosis, mild non-regenerative anemia, and high-normal calcium. During today's follow-up, you palpate bilaterally enlarged submandibular lymph nodes. Not surprisingly, Mr. Rush is short of time and patience. You collect lymph node aspirates, tell him you'd like to take a look under the microscope, and return to the treatment area to stain the slides. Looking through the scope, you see the cells are relatively homogeneous. Most of the lymphocytes appear smaller than normal and are darkly stained; however, a fair amount of plasma cells and neutrophils are present. The blood work, breed, and lethargy are worrisome for lymphoma, but Smoosh is getting older and he is long overdue for a dental. Should you push for flow cytometry or a lymph node biopsy? Or are you overreacting, just like the lymph nodes? The cytology doesn't seem normal, but it's a tough call. It looks as though you have two choices: one, push for a bigger workup, or two, send the slides to a pathologist. You wonder what Mr. Rush will say when …
