Dermatology

Question 1

how to do a dermatologic exam

Answer 1

distant exam: generalized or local problem? symmetrical? coat color?

close exam: palpate the skin, note any odor, examine any visible skin and mucus membranes including mucus membranes, also examien the nails and footpads, look at the perineal area, texture and desnity of the haircoat, alopecia, skin thickness, any pruritis present?

Question 2

when an ear problem seems unilateral, which ear should you examine first?

Answer 2

the “normal” one!

Question 3

when doing an ear exam, what other parts of the body is important to examine too?

Answer 3

oral cavity and nasopharyngeal region, as well as neurological exam–>possible otitis media. be sure to palpate the ears, not just look with otoscope

Question 4

cytology of the skin can be collected by _____ or ______ techniques

Answer 4

direct, tape

Question 5

what are the 3 “direct” techniques?

Answer 5

impressions, swabbing, and scraping

Question 6

how to do the tape technique?

Answer 6

take a 3-4cm tape piece is pressed onto the skin several times sticky side down! use clear tape. put the tape on a slide and stain with diff quick stain. rinse and dap with paper towel, then view under oil immersion

Question 7

please list when each technique is approrpaite
- impression
- swab
-scraping
- tape

Answer 7

impression: moist exudative lesions, pustules, crusts, very greasy skin or draining lesions

swab: moist exidative lesions, small areas, ears. NOT good for dry or minimally exudative lesions

scraping: large greasy lesions

tape: greasy or dry skin, minimally abnormal skin, small or sensitive lesions. NOT good for purulent lesions, pustules, or wet lesions

Question 8

skin scrapings are primarily indicated for

Answer 8

diagnosis of ectoparasites like mite and louse infestations

Question 9

which mites can you identify with superficial vs deep skin scrapings?

Answer 9

superficial: sarcoptes

deep: demodex canis

Question 10

describe how to do a superficial vs deep skin scrape

Answer 10

superficial: apply mineral oil to the skin beforehand (if you want), use a slide to scrape the skin in multiple locations, especially on ears, elbows, hocks, anywhere with crusts and scales.

Deep: use a new or clean dulled number 10 scalpel blade dipped in mineral oil, scrape in the direction of hair growth until there is slight bleeding. skin needs to be squeezed while scraping to help bleeding. Sample at least 3 sites all on different slides.

Question 11

what is a trichogram and how do you do one?

Answer 11

forceful hair pluck. use forceps to quikcly pluck hairs from affected skin. the hairs are placed onto a drop of mineral oil under a microscpe and examined under low power. This can help you find demodex or to find nits