Cytopathology of the musculo-skeletal system extra notes

Question 1

best way to analyze joint fluid

Answer 1

If you submit whole joint fluid to the lab, the viscosity of the fluid will be assessed biochemically by acid precipitation tests, the protein is measured by refractometry, and the cells are manually counted in a hemocytometer chamber and differentiated microscopically
> but we often dont get enough fluid for this from small animals, so make do with smears

Question 2

low-grade supprative inflammation in large animals can be from what non-infectious cause

Answer 2

repeat joint “flushing” with sterile saline

Question 3

Non-suppurative inflammation of the joint - what cells do we expect and why?

Answer 3

• Increase in mononuclear cells (most often macrophages)
  > Macrophages differentiate from type A synoviocytes in response to increased cell death, cell debris and sterile injury

Question 4

The common tumors affecting the peri-articular region in the dog?
- dx?

Answer 4

osteosarcoma, histiocytic sarcoma, and synovial cell sarcoma
> amenable to cytological diagnosis

Question 5

Suppurative inflammation in CSF for large animals is almost always:

Answer 5

associated with bacterial meningitis.