Introduction to Veterinary Microscope Skills

 In the first lesson, learners will learn how to properly use a microscope. We will discuss what is involved in performing a complete blood count, commonly known as a CBC. We will start our study of blood cells by discussing  red blood cells and then look at pictures of what these cells look like under the microscope. 

 Lesson 2 will discuss white blood cells. There are 5 basic types of white blood cells. We will discuss each one - their purpose in the body, and then look at pictures of what each type of white blood cell looks under the microscope. 

 Lesson 3 will look at the study of urine. Urinalysis is an analysis of urine. We will discuss why we perform urinalysis, the different parts of a urinalysis, and what we might see under the microscope. We will also discuss the significance of the results of a urinalysis. 

 In this final lesson, we will look at another important test that is often performed in the veterinary clinic - ear and skin cytology. Cytology is the study of cells. When we look at ear and skin cytology, we are looking for specific types of cells, such as cells that indicate inflammation and/or infection. We also look for organisms such as bacteria and yeast. Abnormal cells may be seen and further evaluation might be necessary. Pictures of samples seen under the microscope will be presented.