Cytological Evaluations

Question 1

What may cytology be useful to help diagnose?

Answer 1

-ear/skin infections
-reproduction
-fluid evaluation
-benign vs malignant masses

Question 2

Cytology samples from solid masses on an animal’s body or obtained from a surgical procedure can be collected by _, _, _, or _ _

Answer 2

swab, scrape, or imprint technique

Question 3

_ _ biopsy can also be used for both solid and fluid samples

Answer 3

fine needle

Question 4

When are swab cytologies used?

Answer 4

only when imprints, scrapings, and aspirates cannot be done

Question 5

What swabs may be obtained?

Answer 5

-Ears
-Fistulous
-Vaginal collections

Question 6

Why should you moisten sterile cotton or rayon swab with sterile isotonic fluid?

Answer 6

helps minimize cell damage during collection

Question 7

What should be done to minimize interference with evaluation of ear cytologies

Answer 7

heat slide to dissolve wax (excessive heat may damage cells)

Question 8

The following are common signs of _ _
-Head shaking
-Ear scratching
-Erythema of the ear
-Painful to touch of ear
-Foul odor
-Discharge within the ear canal

Answer 8

Otitis Externa

Question 9

What is the classification system used to describe causes of otitis externa

Answer 9

PSPP- primary, secondary, predisposing, and perpetuating factors

Question 10

Primary factors of otitis externa are those that cause infections in

Answer 10

healthy ears ( otodectes cynotis, ticks, demodex)

Question 11

Secondary factors of otitis externa include opportunistic _ and _ overgrowth, most commonly by Malassezia pachydermatis

Answer 11

bacteria and yeast

Question 12

Environmental predisposing factors of otitis externa

Answer 12

humid, moist environments from frequent swimming, bathing, or excessive ear cleaning

Question 13

Perpetuating factors continue the disease and include opportunistic _, _ overgrowth, otitis media, etc.

Answer 13

bacteria, yeast

Question 14

Bacteria in ear cytology samples are often described based on _ and _

Answer 14

morphology and arrangement

Question 15

In house cytology should be collected (before/after) collection for culture and sensitivity

Answer 15

AFTER

Question 16

Collection of vaginal cytology useful to ID _ _ _ changes during estrous cycle

Answer 16

vaginal epithelial cell

Question 17

The vaginal epithelium is responsive to _ _, particularly estrogen, and undergoes predictable changes through the cycle in response to changes in blood concentrations of ovarian hormones

Answer 17

sex steroids

Question 18

Rising levels of estrogen causes the vaginal epithelium to become “_”- the surface cells become large and flattened with small or absent nuclei

Answer 18

cornified

Question 19

The objective to obtain a sample of epithelial cells from the vagina, and one should avoid sampling from the _

Answer 19

vestibule (just inside the vulva)

Question 20

What is the scientific name of yeast

Answer 20

Malassezia pachydermatis

Question 21

What is the scientific name of the ear mite of dog and cats

Answer 21

Otodectes cynotis

Question 22

What are the majority of cells observed in normal vaginal smear

Answer 22

leukocytes, erythrocytes, and bacteria

Question 23

Analyzing a vaginal smear is largely an exercise in classifying the epithelial cells into on of what 3 fundamental types:

Answer 23

parabasal, intermediate, or superficial cells

Question 24

The following describes _ vaginal epithelial cells:
-smallest epithelial cells seen on typical vaginals mear
-round or nearly round and have a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio
-prevalent on smears taken during diestrus, and anestrus, and not uncommon during early proestrus
-absent during estrus

Answer 24

Parabasal cells

Question 25

The following describes _ vaginal epithelial cells:
-Prevalent during all stages of the cycle except estrus
-Vary in size and shape but typically have a diameter two or three times that of parabasal cells

Answer 25

Intermediate cells

Question 26

The following describes _ vaginal epithelial cells:
-Largest cells seen on a vaginal smear
-Polygonal in shape and distinctly flat, sometimes look rolled up
-nuclei absent or pyknotic (tiny and dark)
-without nuclei are referred to as “fully cornified”
-often seen in large sheets or strings
-presense of large numbers is the defining characteristic of cytologic estrus, and their abrupt and precipitous decline makes the onset of diestrus

Answer 26

Superficial cells

Question 27

Erythrocytes are usually observed in large numbers during _

Answer 27

proestrus

Question 28

_ are often abundant in smears taken during early diestrus, and are not uncommon at other stages, though rare during estrus. Moderate numbers of neutrophils are a common, though not consistent feature of normal canine vaginal smears and not by themselves indicative of vaginitis

Answer 28

Neutrophils

Question 29

“_ _” is a term given to nondescript epithelial cells containing numerous vacuoles that are typically seen on smears prepared during anestrus

Answer 29

foam cells

Question 30

_ are often seen on vaginal smears in huge numbers, covering cells and spiking onto the background

Answer 30

Bacteria

Question 31

Stages of the canine estrous cycle can be defined by sexual behavior, physical signs (vulvar swelling, vaginal bleeding) or by _ _

Answer 31

vaginal cytology

Question 32

Cytologic changes through the canine estrous cycle reflect changes in _ _ of estrogen

Answer 32

blood concentrations

Question 33

Intermediate and parabasal cells predominate in smears taken during _. Superficial cells are absent or found in very small numbers. Neutrophils may also be present or absent.

Answer 33

anestrus

Question 34

Serum concentrations of estrogen rise during _, leading to capillary breakage and leakage of RBCs through uterine epithelium, as well as proliferation of the vaginal epithelium.

-Typically, RBCs present in large numbers and neutrophils are commonly observed. Large numbers of bacteria are also often present.

-Examination during this stage of estrus will reveal a gradual shift from intermediate and parabasal cells to superficial cells.

Answer 34

Proestrus

Question 35

The defining characteristic of cytologic estrus is the predominance of _ _

Answer 35

superficial cells

Question 36

The onset of _ is marked by a precipitous decline in the number of superficial cells and reappearance of intermediate and parabasal cells.

Answer 36

diestrus

Question 37

It is best to confirm the onset of diestrus by examining a smear prepared on diestrus day _

Answer 37

2