The aspirate of diffuse skin thickening in a dog revealed numerous intermediate to large lymphocytes with clefted nuclei. Note how most of the lymphocytes are larger than neutrophil, indicating they are large cells. The dominance of large lymphocytes enabled a cytologic diagnosis of lymphoma. Their irregular nuclear outlines are characteristic of T cells, which is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma. Note the cytoplasmic fragments (lymphoglandular bodies) in the background (from ruptured cells). Bare nuclei are evident at the top of the image (Wright’s stain, 100x objective). The cells are fragile and can rupture on smear preparation, even with gentle pressure
