Page 145 - Canine Lameness

9.3 ­Groos, BrocheBocas, cand CyraroBo EceBacyBra 117

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

(E) (F)

Figure 9.3 Representative examples of the appearance of the cells found in (A–D) normal joint fluid
versus (E, F) mononuclear inflammation in joint fluid from a dog with osteoarthritis. Predominantly (b) large
and (c) small mononuclear cells and occasional blood cells, such as (a) neutrophils and (e) red blood cells
are present; (d) protein crescents are artifactual folds in the background material indicating a normal
content of protein and other solutes (e.g. hyaluronic acid) found within synovial fluid. Note the stippled
eosinophilic background, which is typical of proteinaceous samples such as synovial fluid, as well as the
increased number of large (b) mononuclear cells, in a (E) low-power versus a (F) high-power field of view.
Magnification: (A, B, F): 100×; (C, E): 10×; (D): 20× objective.

acid. It should be performed on samples that have been collected in no additive (red top glass
tubes) or heparin tubes, as EDTA can hinder clot formation. Fluid from non‐pathologic joints
forms a clot rapidly after the addition of the acetic acid. In contrast, pathologic or inflamed
joints typically have delayed or poor clot formation. However, because quantitative data for
interpretation of the mucin clot test is lacking, the results should be interpreted together with
other clinical findings (Clements 2006).