Macrophages (which may be lightly vacuolated and leukophagocytic) and non-degenerate neutrophils dominate in peritoneal fluid from normal horses, camelids and cattle, and in transudative effusions (with the exception of chylous effusions). Small lymphocytes (L), mesothelial cells and mast cells may also be seen, along with low numbers of erythrocytes (invariably a minor degree of blood contamination). Erythrophagia should not be evident in freshly prepared smears of normal fluids.
