Cytology Q&A 15

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A three-year-old gelding was box walking, sweating, stamping and head pressing. A sample of peritoneal fluid was collected and examined immediately. It was turbid and serosanguineous, and had an NCC of 21 × 109/l and a TP of 43 g/l. Cells seen in a cytospin preparation of the fluid are shown (Wright–Giemsa, ×100 oil).

Question	Answer		Article
What type of fluid is present (fluid classification)?	The elevated TP and NCC indicate an exudate.		Link to Article
What cells are present ?	The cells present are neutrophils (some immature) and macrophages. Although processed immediately, stain take up is very poor and, along with the physical parameters, this suggests an abdominal catastrophe such as intestinal torsion; however, microorganisms and plant material, which would indicate rupture of an intestinal viscus, are absent.		Link to Article
What is your diagnosis?	Peritonitis/possible torsion. Torsion was found on laparotomy. Note: Reference values for NCCs and classification of effusions in large animals differ from those for small animal specimens.		Link to Article