Cytology has an important role in avian medicine as it help for the rapid diagnosis of diseases. Samples from 900 falcons and 110 bustards were sampled from the upper and lower alimentary tract; 1200 samples were collected from the upper respiratory tract of falcons and 200 bustards. Biopsy samples from the airsac were collected during anaesthesia which includes 600 falcons and 80 bustards. Conjunctiva and skin samples were examined from 100 falcons and 80 bustards; blood samples were taken from 1500 falcons and 400 bustards; aspirated fluids were collected from 16 falcons and 21 bustards. Autopsy samples also examined from the internal organs of 22 falcons and 13 bustards which includes liver, kidney, heart, spleen, small intestine and lungs. Cellular responses are categorised as inflammation, hyperplasia, metaplasia and neoplasia. Inflammatory responses were the most common type encountered in birds. Inflammation is due to aetiological infectious agents. Acute inflammation is primarily characterised by heterophils (more than 70% of inflammatory cells). Chronic active inflammation is characterised by a mixture of heterophils (50% of the inflammatory cells) and mononuclear cells including macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Chronic inflammation is marked by the presence of predominantly mononuclear cells (more than 50% of the inflammatory cells).
More..