Peritoneal fluid from a goat
Case information
An 8 year old female goat was presented to the Cornell University Farm Animal Hospital for a 10 day history of lethargy and dullness. The goat was also intermittently febrile with temperatures as high as 104.8F. Treatments of Banamine, calcium, and vitamin B complex on the farm resulted in minimal improvement.
On presentation to Cornell, the goat was quiet, alert, and responsive. The animal demonstrated periods of dullness and shaking, particularly of the head. Vital signs were slightly abnormal (temperature: 102.3F, pulse: 110 bpm, and respiration: 42 bpm). Point of care bloodwork revealed a mildly increased lactate concentration. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination revealed severe peritoneal effusion and an abnormal/hyperechoic gastrointestinal tract. Initial empiric treatments included intravenous fluids, antibiotics, thiamine, and vitamin B. An abdominocentesis was performed to submit a sample for cytology and fluid analysis.
The fluid was light yellow and slightly cloudy. Total protein by refractometry was <2.5 g/dL. Direct smears were prepared from the submitted fluid. In addition, a squash preparation was made from visible “clots” in the fluid. Representative images from the latter are provided below.
Examine the provided images, and answer the following questions:
- What cells can you identify?
- What is your cytologic interpretation of the effusion?
- What are your differential diagnoses?
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Answer on next page
