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The use of the microscope and veterinary cytology allows for quick and accurate analysis of cells, tissues and biological samplesIt is a key tool for the diagnosis of infections, inflammations, masses, dermatological problems and other disorders in dogs and cats.
At Benivet Benissa we perform cytological studies as part of the diagnostic process, which allows us to obtain immediate information and guide the necessary treatment or complementary tests depending on each clinical case.
Benivet Benissa - Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa -
M-F 9:30-18:30 - S 10:00-13:00
At Benivet Benissa we offer studies of veterinary cytology for dogs, cats and other pets, using the microscope as a key tool to detect infections, tumours and cellular alterations. This technique is minimally invasive, fast and very effective in obtaining crucial information about your companion's health.
Our team analyses samples of skin, lymph nodes, organs and body fluids with the support of image diagnosis and complementary tests of internal medicine. Thanks to this integration, we can provide accurate diagnoses and design the most appropriate treatment for each case.
Cytology is especially useful for lumps, non-healing wounds, inflammation or abnormal secretions. Early action can improve your pet's prognosis and quality of life.
Veterinary cytology allows rapid cell analysis to guide diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
Cytology and biopsy enable the examination of lesions, lumps and tissue abnormalities, but they do not analyse exactly the same thing.
The veterinary cytology examines cells obtained by fine-needle aspiration, a swab, a scraping or an impression. The biopsy a small sample of tissue is taken to analyse both the cells and the way in which they are organised.
The choice depends on the type of injury, its location and the information we need to obtain.
A smear test can help to identify:
Inflammatory processes.
Bacterial or fungal infections.
Yeasts and some parasites.
Accumulations of fat or cystic material.
Cellular changes associated with certain tumours.
Abnormalities in lymph nodes, organs or bodily fluids.
The type of cells present in a tumour.
In many cases, a smear test helps to guide the diagnosis and determine whether treatment should be started, a culture taken, the lesion monitored or further tests requested.
When the problem affects the skin, ears or hair, a cytology test may form part of the investigation carried out in veterinary dermatology.
If a lump is being investigated or a tumour is suspected, the case can be referred to veterinary oncology.
The technique depends on the injury being studied.
It can be used:
Fine-needle aspiration: to obtain cells from a lump, a lymph node or an organ.
Hyssop: commonly found in the ears, wounds, secretions and certain mucous membranes.
Scraping: used to treat certain skin conditions.
Direct printing: by placing a microscope slide over a superficial lesion.
Liquid samples: such as fluids found in cavities, joints or cystic lesions.
Many superficial samples can be taken during the consultation. In the case of internal lesions or those that are difficult to access, sampling can be carried out under guidance using veterinary ultrasound.
Ultrasound helps to locate the area and guide the needle towards the lesion, although the advisability of taking a sample must be assessed in light of its location, the patient’s condition and the potential risk of bleeding.
Not always. Some lesions contain cells with characteristics that are clear enough to guide or confirm the diagnosis, whilst others require a biopsy and histopathological examination.
Cytology mainly examines the appearance of cells. However, for some tumours, it is also necessary to analyse:
The structure of the fabric.
The relationship between cells and neighbouring structures.
The invasion of the margins.
The growth pattern.
The tumour grade, where applicable.
For this reason, a smear test may yield results such as:
Consistent with an inflammatory process.
Consistent with an infection.
Consistent with a benign lesion.
Suspected neoplasm.
Suitable for a specific type of tumour.
Inconclusive or non-diagnostic.
A ‘suspicious’ or ‘inconclusive’ result does not, on its own, confirm or rule out a tumour.
A sample may not provide sufficient information when:
It contains few cells.
It consists mainly of blood.
The lesion releases few cells.
The needle has not reached the target area.
There is inflammation or an infection masking the underlying condition.
The sample has deteriorated during preparation.
The cells in the lesion are difficult to distinguish.
It is necessary to examine the tissue’s overall structure.
In such situations, the team may recommend repeating the sample collection, using a different technique or sending the sample to a pathology laboratory.
The fact that the result is inconclusive does not necessarily mean that the injury is serious. It means that the sample obtained does not allow the clinical question to be answered with sufficient certainty.
A biopsy may be recommended when:
The smear test does not provide enough cells.
The result does not allow us to distinguish between various diseases.
The type of tumour needs to be confirmed.
It is important to study the architecture of the tissue.
The lesion grows in size or changes in appearance.
There is a wound that won’t heal.
The result will influence the planning of an operation.
It is necessary to analyse the margins after removing a batch.
A biopsy can be obtained by taking a small sample of the lesion or by removing it completely, depending on its size, location and the planned treatment.
If it is necessary to remove a mass or take a surgical sample, the case can be coordinated with veterinary surgery or with the Soft Tissue Surgery Unit.
When the procedure requires sedation or anaesthesia, the protocol is tailored to the patient by the department of veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia.
Yes. A smear test analyses the cells collected, but it does not always reveal the full extent of a lesion, its depth or its relationship to other organs.
Depending on the circumstances, the following may be recommended:
A veterinary ultrasound to examine organs, lymph nodes, bodily fluids and internal masses.
A veterinary X-ray to assess the chest, abdomen, bones or other structures.
A Veterinary CAT scan to delineate complex lesions and plan for sampling or a procedure.
Imaging tests can indicate where the abnormality is located and how extensive it is, whilst a smear test or biopsy helps to determine what type of cells or tissue it consists of.
A cytology test may reveal bacteria, fungi, yeasts and inflammatory cells, but it does not always make it possible to determine which microorganism is causing the problem or which medicine might be most suitable.
For certain infections, a culture may be recommended and, where appropriate, an antibiotic susceptibility test.
This crop can be particularly useful in the following situations:
Recurrent infections.
Wounds that do not respond to treatment.
Persistent ear infections.
Deep-seated infections.
Previous courses of antibiotics.
Suspected bacterial resistance.
The decision to carry out a culture depends on the microscopic findings, the progression of the condition and any previous treatments.
Once we have examined the sample, we will explain:
Which cells or microorganisms have been observed?
Whether the result helps to guide or confirm the diagnosis.
If the sample needs to be sent to a pathologist.
If necessary, repeat it.
Whether a biopsy, culture or imaging scan is required.
What treatment might be considered?
What checks are required for the injury?
In the case of diseases affecting internal organs or presenting complex symptoms, the results may be interpreted in conjunction with veterinary internal medicinea blood tests or other clinical tests.
Seek veterinary advice if you notice a lump that:
Grow or change quickly.
It becomes hard, lumpy or painful.
It becomes ulcerated, bleeds or produces discharge.
It makes it difficult to move, breathe or eat.
It is accompanied by weight loss or fatigue.
It reappears after having been removed.
It is located in an area that the pet constantly licks or bites.
The appearance, size or rate of growth do not provide a definitive indication of what type of lesion it is. Nor is it advisable to wait simply because the lump is small or does not seem to be causing any discomfort.
If your pet has already been assessed, please bring:
The cytological or histopathological report.
Slides, if available.
Photographs of the injury.
Image analysis and testing.
Surgical reports.
Treatments administered.
Information on how the lump has developed.
Vets who need to refer a case can use the service provided by Case studies from Benivet Benissa.
Have you noticed a lump, a wound that won’t heal or a recurring discharge? Request a veterinary assessment and smear test or call +34 622 325 271.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa, Alicante
Telephone: +34 622 325 271
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:30; Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00.
The microscopy and veterinary cytology allow us to obtain quick and very useful information on inflammation, infection and cell typesespecially in problems of skin, ear and lumps. At Benivet Benissa we indicate it after the examination when we need to guide the diagnosis and treatment. If it is necessary to complete the study, we can recommend the following tests only when they provide useful information:
Veterinary practice in BenissaComplete examination and decision of the most appropriate test according to the case (skin, otitis, lumps, non-healing wounds).
Veterinary dermatologywhen there is persistent itching, recurrent dermatitis, alopecia, bad odour, crusting, or repeated otitisfor a medium-term diagnosis and monitoring plan.
Blood testsuseful if the problem is recurrent, there are general signs (fever/decrease/weight loss), or we need to assess the safety of treatments.
Stool analysis/coprological testsIf there is recurrent diarrhoea or suspicion of parasites that may influence the picture (e.g. perianal itching or associated digestive problems).
Veterinary ultrasoundif there are internal masses, abdominal pain or we need to assess organs and soft tissues.
If the case requires a global approach or follow-up of a disease, we coordinate the plan from veterinary internal medicine. And if pain or inflammation is a condition for well-being, we can rely on the PAIN UNIT for safe pain management.
👉 If your pet has a lump, recurrent otitis or recurring skin problems, request an appointment here or call +34 622 325 271.
According to the DGT, when travelling with your pet in the car, you must place a separator to prevent your pet from distracting you and
Only a veterinarian can assess the health status of the animals, taking also into account other circumstances such as the type of
Domestic or companion animals, particularly those belonging to the canine species, shall also be classified as potentially dangerous,
Cytology is a diagnostic technique that analyses cells obtained by puncture, swabs or scrapings. It allows the identification of infections, inflammations, parasites, fungi and, in many cases, whether a lump is benign or suspicious for malignancy. It is a quick, painless and very useful test for initial diagnosis.
These are procedures minimally invasiveThe procedure is comparable to an injection. Sedation is not needed in most pets; only in very nervous animals or when the area is painful. The test is safe and generally well tolerated.
It is indicated in cases such as:
Lumps or masses in skin or subcutaneous tissue
Recurrent otitis
Non-healing wounds
Skin inflammations
Enlarged nodes
Suspected bacterial or fungal infections
Cytology helps to guide the diagnosis and to decide whether additional tests such as biopsy, culture or CT scan are needed.
The microscope makes it possible to assess real-time sampleswhich speeds up the diagnosis. We can see:
Inflammatory cells
Compatible tumour cells
Fungi and yeasts
Skin parasites
Bacteria
Sample quality and degree of infection
This makes it easier to tailor treatment from the first visit.
Cytology provides valuable information and, in many cases, allows differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. However, some tumours require biopsy and histopathological analysis to obtain a definitive diagnosis. At Benivet Benissa we will tell you when it is necessary to extend the study.
In most cytologies the preliminary result is obtained in the same consultationthanks to the immediate microscopic examination. In complex cases we send the sample to a specialised pathologist, who issues a detailed report. We explain the findings in a clear way and give you guidance on the next steps.
Do you have any doubts about care, treatment or prevention for your pet? Consult our section of Frequently Asked Questions where we solve the most common queries about dogs and cats.
