ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a practical introduction to basic cytodiagnosis on dry mount cytology samples in reptile medicine. Cytology sampling is similar to other taxa with due consideration of unique anatomical features and special techniques applicable to various species of reptiles. Moistening of the swab is gentler on the patient's mucosal membranes and it enhances exfoliation of cellular material onto the swab during sampling. The goals of cytological evaluation include cytological categorization of the lesion, interpretation and diagnosis of pathological processes, identification of infectious agents, and recommendation(s) for additional diagnostic procedures. The microscopic evaluation of cytology samples begins with scanning the slides to review overall staining quality, cellular preservation and distribution, cellularity, degree of hemodilution, presence of extracellular material, and identification of the predominant cell population. Inflammation in cytology specimens is characterized by the presence of higher white blood cell (WBC) concentrations than expected from hemodilution.
