[Significance of bone marrow cytology in the diagnosis of leukosis in dogs].

In the differential diagnosis of neoplastic diseases of blood cells or their precursors, cytological examination of bone marrow is a valuable diagnostic tool. Depending on the expected cell type, an aspiration followed by clinical-cytological examination, or a biopsy followed by histopathological examination is indicated. In all unclear cases of cytopenia, if blood parasites or a lymphatic leukemia without tumors are suspected or in myeloproliferative diseases, bone marrow cytology can provide the diagnosis. If the aspiration of bone marrow is not possible in spite of correct technique (punctiosicca), myelofibrosis must be suspected. The diagnosis is confirmed by bone marrow biopsy. In the most common form of leukemia in dogs, the lymphosarcomatosis, a bone marrow biopsy can be helpful in assessment of the prognosis.