Who would have thought that this collaboration between human and veterinary pathology would be this sucessfull? I had a pretty good feeling but I am still amazed that this is already the fourth painting series in collaboration with Francesco Cian. Francesco is a veterinary pathologist and passionate about teaching cytology (visit his website here). Together we composed a new series of nine cytology cases – all about veterinary haematology this time!
Francesco had provided me with expressive references and also came up with the series name “Haemotology Tales”of this new series, which I love so much.
Mycoplasma haemofelis can be hard to detect on feline blood smears, especially from EDTA samples, where organisms may detach from red cells.
Whole blood smears made immediately after collection increase the chance of spotting them. Still, PCR remains the most reliable diagnostic tool.
Mycoplasma
Immune-mediated haemolytic
anaemia in a dog
Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) in a dog. One of the most significant findings on blood smears is the presence of spherocytes — red blood cells that are smaller than normal, lack central pallor, and appear slightly more intensely stained.
These cannot be seen in cats as their red blood cells lack of central pallor even in normal conditions.
Peripheral neutrophilia in a dog with inflammation. Did you know the term neutrophil comes from Greek? It means „neutral-loving“ — because their cytoplasmic granules don’t pick sides and stain with neither acidic nor basic dyes, appearing fairly clear.
It was one of the first paintings I made for this series and it defintly set a tone for it. And it’s one of my favourties of this series!
Peripheral neutrophilia in a dog
Babesia
Babesia sp. organisms in a canine blood smear — easier to spot when you know where to look. Capillary blood from the ear often gives you a better chance to catch these intracellular parasites, especially when parasitaemia is low.
Sometimes, it’s all about picking the right drop of blood.
Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukaemia in a dog. This is one of the most common forms of chronic leukaemia in dogs and often follows an indolent course. These cells have a unique appearance with a few characteristic intracytoplasmic magenta granules.
Large granular lymphocyte leukemia
Hepatozoon sp. Infection and Eosinophilia
Hepatozoon sp. infection and eosinophilia from a buffy coat of canine blood. Hepatozoon organisms look a bit like little Tic Tacs hiding inside neutrophils
— smooth, oval, and oddly satisfying to spot (and paint!).
Mast cells are certainly not a common finding in a blood smear and are not necessarily pathognomonic of a mast cell tumour, especially in dogs, as they may be observed in other conditions. They are easy to spot; round cells containing numerous magenta to purple granules.
Mast Cells
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia in a dog due to chronic blood loss – less haemoglobin means red cells have more pronounced central pallor under the microscope.
A classic microscopic clue with a clinical story behind it.
There’s something oddly satisfying about spotting (and painting) a microfilaria wriggling across a canine blood smear. Long, slender, and unmistakable—it feels like striking diagnostic gold. A rare guest, but one that makes the slide instantly memorable!
I found it fascinating how it almost looked like there was a stormy sea within it and tried to recreate that impression
Microfilaria