Anaerobic Gram Negative Rod

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Admin
Anaerobic Gram Negative Rod

Anaerobic Gram Negative Rod

Ear problems are one of the most common health problems seen in dogs and cats and ear infections are the most common ear problem diagnosed. However, before ear infections can be treated, the source of the infection needs to be determined.

Determining the Source of Canine and Feline Ear Infections

Once an ear infection has been diagnosed, the most valuable test to determine the source of the infection is known as ear cytology. Performing ear cytology involves using a swab to obtain a sample of the debris in the infected ear. Once the sample is obtained, it is placed on a microscope slide and distributed evenly across the slide and then treated with special stains, each of which adheres to specific types of cells, organisms and/or parts of cells. The slide is then examined under a microscope under a high power, magnified by 10-40 times initially and then magnified by a higher factor, usually 100.

Ear Cytology Aids in Diagnosing the Source of Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats

Ear cytology can be used to determine the individual cell types which make up the debris found in the infected ear of the dog or cat. Organisms which contribute to infection of the ear canal are readily identified on ear cytology and may include: