If you haven’t encountered a cytology test for your dog, odds are you will- it is a common, helpful tool used by veterinarians to gather important information about your dog’s health. Knowing what it is and how it is used can help you and your vet make informed decisions about your dog’s care.  

What Is a Cytology Test?

A cytology test is a simple, safe diagnostic test that examines collected cells under a microscope to help veterinarians detect issues such as inflammation, infection, abnormal cells or cancer. 

The cells are examined under a microscope and evaluated for:

• Overall appearance
• Size
• Shape
• Number 
• Internal characteristics
• Comparison with other cells in the sample

Why Cytology Tests Are Performed on Dogs

Veterinarians frequently use cytology for dogs because it’s a quick and minimally invasive method for gathering important information that can aid in the diagnostic process.

Your veterinarian will use a cytological test to evaluate and collect information on:

• Skin and ear infections
• Lumps and bumps (to check for tumors or cysts)
• Fluid accumulation in body cavities or under the skin
• Internal organs, such as lymph nodes, liver, and kidneys

How Cytology Tests Are Performed on Dogs

Cells can be collected from your dog’s body by several different methods, depending on where the problem is and what tissue is involved.

Fine Needle Aspiration

This is one of the most common methods, involving a tiny, sterile needle attached to an empty syringe. Your veterinarian will insert the needle into the middle of the questionable lump or tissue and suction out (aspirate) some of the cells into the syringe. This process may be repeated to ensure that enough cells are gathered for diagnosis. It works best for lumps and bumps, fluid-filled tissues (such as cysts or joints), and organs.

Cotton-tipped Swabs

This method is used to collect discharge or cells from skin surfaces. The sample is then spread onto a slide for examination. It’s often used to collect discharge from the ears, eyes, mouth, wounds, and the genitals.

Skin Scraping

Using a scalpel blade, your veterinarian will gently and carefully scrape off the top layer of skin cells for examination. This method is used to detect skin mites, fungal infections, and certain types of skin cancer.

Impression Smear

A microscope slide is pressed firmly on an area to collect cells and debris. This method may be used for ulcerated, oozing skin lesions or crusty, scabby lesions.

Tape Prep

A piece of clear acetate tape is placed over the area of concern, such as a flaky or bald patch of skin, gently rubbed to collect the cells, and then removed. The piece of tape is then attached to a slide for examination. This method is used to collect cells from dry, scaly skin lesions or areas that are difficult to press a slide onto, such as between the toes or around the mouth.

Lavage or Flush

A sterile fluid is gently washed flushed over an area (like the trachea, lungs, or nasal passages) to collect surface cells. The liquid is collected so the cells can be checked.  

After the sample is collected by one of these techniques, it is placed on a slide, dried treated with a special stain. The stain helps your veterinarian determine the type of cells present and identify possible abnormalities and determine if additional diagnostic tests are needed.

Benefits of Doing a Cytology Test for Your Dog

There are several benefits to having your veterinarian perform a cytology test.  

• Cost Effective. Cytology tests require minimal equipment, and no anesthesia making it more affordable than other tests like a biopsy. 
• Quick. Cytology can be performed during a regular visit and provides faster results than a biopsy.
• Minimally Invasive. Usually involves only a swab or needle collection without sedation or anesthesia.
• Relatively Painless. Most dogs experience little to no discomfort.
• Guides further testing. The results of the simple cytology test help your veterinarian determine if other tests are needed or can be avoided.
• Flexible diagnostic tool. Cytology tests can be useful for diagnosing a variety of conditions.
• Determines proper treatment.

As you can see, cytology tests are a valuable, cost-effective way for your veterinarian to diagnose your dog’s condition quickly and accurately. Information gathered from a cytology test can allow your veterinarian to determine the proper treatment while causing little to no discomfort to your dog.