Abstract

In anticipation of a soon-to-be-available laboratory manual, this presentation offers a summary of the clinical applications of routinely applied diagnostic cytology, as incorporated into an ongoing preventive medical program involving cetaceans. Pathologic findings of significance, including WBCs, RBCs, macrophages, histiocytes, basal epithelial cells, parasites, yeasts, and fungi from respiratory sputum gastric fluid, rectal-colon samples, urine, milk and other exudates are offered via slide presentation. Also included are photographic findings of ova, protozoans, fungi, algae, cellular debris, fish particles and various artifacts which are frequently observed in microscopic presentations, but which are not indicative of pathology.

Application of diagnostic cytology to routine clinical practice in cetaceans is illustrated via flow charts categorizing cytologic findings to type and site of pathology, case presentations and retrospective analyses of cumulative data generated as part of an ongoing preventive medicine program.