ABSTRACT
The use of cytology – the examination of cells from the body – in small animals has gained recognition and clinical application at a rapid rate. It is a powerful tool that can be employed successfully in a wide variety of anatomic locations and disease processes. Cytology can provide a definitive diagnosis in many cases, including infections and some tumors. Cytologic assessment of tissues that have been biopsied can be a worthwhile diagnostic tool for several reasons. The turnaround time for results is much quicker for cytology versus histopathology, and such results may be critical to guide decisions in time-sensitive situations. Fluid analysis with cytology can be extremely helpful in identifying processes leading to fluid development, including infectious and neoplastic causes. In order to interpret the cytology appropriately, it is important to consider the histologic appearance of the tissue and the underlying architecture.
