01/16/2025
Ever wonder what goes on in a f***l cytology?
Well, maybe not, but today is a day for learning!
Unlike most common intestinal parasite screenings, which may use a centrifuge or float solution to cause parasite eggs to 'float' to the top and collect against a coverslip, a f***l cytology allows us to get a good look at the GI biome and identify abnormalities that can't been seen on a float.
This patient presented with very bloody diarrhea and a f***l cytology was performed to identify the cause.
In the first image, we can see what looks like a cheering stick person - this is yeast! We can see yeast present when a pet has consumed f***s from rabbits.
The second image contains several distinctive pathogenic (illness-causing) bacteria called clostridium, spirochetes, and campylobacter!
Clostridium bacteria have a classic safety pin and/or needle-like appearance; both shapes are present here.
Spirochetes-type bacteria are twisted and when observed in an unstained sample, zip around at high-speed at they propel themselves around!
Campylobacter bacteria look like little mustaches, or the classic line-drawn birds that grace the skies of childhood drawings.
All the rest of the bacteria seen - rods and cocci - are a normal part of the GI biome and can be impacted by the presence of pathogens.
Knowing what bacteria are present in your pet's GI tract helps our veterinarian determine the best course of treatment to take care of those opportunistic pathogens!
If your pet is experience signs of GI upset, contact us here at to make a reservation today, because your pet can't wait to feel better!
