Cytology Q&A 16

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Three days after calving, a four-year-old Friesian cow became acutely ill, with brisket and submandibular oedema. She was stiff and grunted with respiration. Peritoneal fluid withdrawn from a site 5 cm cranial and 5 cm medial to the milk well had a TP of 48 g/l and an NCC of 37 ×109/l. A cytospun smear of the peritoneal fluid was prepared (Wright–Giemsa, ×50 oil).

Question	Answer		Article
What cells are present?	There is a lot of cell disruption and debris, making cell identification difficult. However, the outline of neutrophils is visible in some cases and the disrupted cells are considered to be karyolytic neutrophils. No microorganisms are seen.		Link to Article
What is the fluid classification?	An exudate.		Link to Article
What is your diagnosis?	Acute peritonitis. Given the history and clinical signs, this is suggestive of foreign body reticuloperitonitis. Note: Reference values for NCCs and classification of effusions in large animals differ from those for small animal specimens.		Link to Article