Neutrophils can commonly be seen on cytology. The presence of degenerate neutrophils should alert us to the likely presence of bacteria.
Bacterial toxins affect neutrophil nuclei and cytoplasm causing pyknosis, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and cytoplasmic basophilia and vacuolation.
If you’re like me, you’ve forgotten most of the big words you learned in vet school. So what’s an easier way to remember the changes seen in degenerate neutrophils?
SSD & BP
The nucleus will shrink, shatter, and dissolve.
The cytoplasm will have bubbles & be more purple.
Happy hunting!
Shout out to Dr. Brittany Madere for the cytology image!
So good