Which cytology finding is commonly associated with suspected atopic dermatitis in dogs?

• A. Eosinophils with cocci bacteria on cytology
• B. Neutrophils with Gram-negative rods
• C. Malassezia only
• D. No inflammatory cells

Answer: (A)

In dogs with suspected atopic dermatitis, the skin is driven by allergic inflammation and is often complicated by a secondary bacterial infection. Cytology commonly shows eosinophils reflecting the allergic process, along with cocci bacteria indicating a superficial pyoderma typically caused by Staphylococcus. This combination—eosinophilic inflammation with cocci bacteria—best fits the pattern seen in atopic dermatitis with a secondary infection.

Neutrophils with Gram-negative rods would point to a different bacterial profile, not the typical Staphylococcus-associated infection seen secondarily in atopy. Malassezia alone would not account for the inflammatory response, and no inflammatory cells would not align with inflammatory dermatitis.