LGL
Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL): rare form of leukemia secondary to lymphoma. Primary tumors (large granular lymphosarcoma) usually arise in the abdominal cavity (spleen, liver, GI tract, lymph nodes). Secondary… Read more LGL →
CLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): increased numbers of small mature lymphocytes with normal morphology on blood smear. CLL may look identical to non-neoplastic lymphocytosis on visual evaluation (non-neoplastic causes of lymphocytosis… Read more CLL →
ALL
Acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): markedly increased numbers of immature lymphoblasts on blood smear (lymphocytosis usually greater than 150 x 109/L). Lymphoblasts are large cells with prominent nucleoli and dark blue… Read more ALL →
Platelet Clumps
Morphology: clusters of numerous platelets. Platelets in clumps may be granulated (non-activated) or degranulated (activated). Look alike: clumps of degranulated platelets must be differentiated from strands of fibrin. Platelet clumps may be embedded… Read more Platelet Clumps →
Giant Platelet
Also called: macroplatelet Morphology: very large platelets (larger than red blood cells). Morphology may be normal or abnormal depending on underlying cause. Clinical relevance: giant platelets are often (but not always) immature… Read more Giant Platelet →
Normal Platelets
Morphology: platelets are small anucleate cells with round to oval shape and small pink or red cytoplasmic granules. Normal platelets are smaller than red blood cells. Canine platelets are moderately… Read more Normal Platelets →
Reactive Lymphocytes
Morphology: reactive lymphocytes have a heterogenous appearance with variable size, nuclear shape, and amount and color of cytoplasm. Compared to non-reactive lymphocytes, reactive lymphocytes are usually larger with darker blue cytoplasm,… Read more Reactive Lymphocytes →
Lymphocytic Leukemias
Lymphoid neoplasia is the most common form of hematopoeitic neoplasia in domestic animals. Lymphoid neoplasia can be categorized as lymphosarcomas (neoplastic lymphocytes from solid tumors in extramedullary tissue) or leukemias (neoplastic lymphocytes… Read more Lymphocytic Leukemias →
Cells and Smears 