Faeces, Urine, Hair + Skin

Question 1

What is the ‘study of the skin’ called?

Answer 1

Dermatology

Question 2

True or False.

Skin is the largest organ of the body.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Name the 3 layers of the skin, starting from the outermost layer.

Answer 3

1. Epidermis (Outer)
2. Dermis (Middle)
3. Subcutis (Inner)

Question 4

Name 3 skin structures/appendages, in animals.

Answer 4

1. Fur
2. Whiskers
3. Claws

Question 5

Name the term for itchy skin

Answer 5

Puritis

Question 6

What is Malodourous skin?

Answer 6

Skin which has skin cracks, exposing the serum and eventually starts to ooze, becoming foul-smelling

Question 8

Name the 5 skin tests that RVN’s can run in-house

Answer 8

1. Gross examination
2. Microscopy
3. Staining + Microscopy
4. Culture + Sensitivity
5. Histology

Question 9

What skin test can be done to examine Flea Dirt?

Answer 9

Gross examination

Question 10

What is Gross examination?

Answer 10

Visualisation of the sample

Question 11

Name what type of skin test would be used for identifying Ectoparasites

Answer 11

Microscopy

Question 12

What skin test would be used to identify Yeasts?

Answer 12

Staining + Microscopy

Question 13

What skin test is used to examine Pustules?

Answer 13

Culture + Sensitivity

Question 14

Name what test would be used to examine Neoplasia?

Answer 14

Histology

Question 15

Name 2 zoonotic skin diseases that are H&S risks for handlers

Answer 15

1. Ringworm
2. Sarcoptes

Question 16

10..

Name as many equipment as you can required for general skin sampling

Answer 16

1. Brush, comb or toothbrush
2. Tape
3. Forceps
4. Paper
5. Biopsy punch (Req clippers, surgical scrub + stich-up kit)
6. Swabs
7. Liquid Parrafin
8. Microscope slides
9. Scalpel blades
10. PPE (Gloves + Apron)

Question 17

Name the type of skin sampling technique that is used to diagnose various surface Ectoparasites, Eggs, Fleas + Cheyletiella infestations

Answer 17

Coat Brushings

Question 18

Name the basic 5 step-method of how to take a Coat brushing

Answer 18

1. Apply PPE + Wash hands
2. Use small brush or toothbrush, brush small areas at a time - in 1 direction
3. Tap brush into Petri-dish or microscope slide
4. Apply Liquid Parraffin + cover slip
5. Examine under microscope

Question 19

Why should the animal be able to stand over a large piece of paper when Coat brushing?

Answer 19

To allow the coat brushings to be poured off or the Flea Dirt Test to be performed directly on the paper

Question 20

What is the Flea Dirt Test?

Answer 20

Simply, the coat brushings are dampened with water

Question 21

What does the Flea Dirt Test show?

Answer 21

If Flea faeces are present, the paper will stain a red colour - due to ingested blood

Question 22

Name the 6 advantages of Coat Brushing

Answer 22

1. Simple to perform
2. Not stressful or painful to patient
3. Quick + cheap
4. Immediate + conclusive results
5. Can be performed in the consulting room, infront of the owner
6. Owner can perform at home

Question 23

What is the Tape Technique + What does it show?

Answer 23

1. Apply PPE
2. Part or lightly clip the patient’s hair to expose the skin underneath
3. A length of sticky tape (Scotch) is gently placed down on the skin + hair
4. If Ectoparasite - stick directly onto microscope slide
5. Yeast - use Staining technique, using ‘Diff-Quick’
6. Examine under microscope

Question 24

What yeast is commonly diagnosed using the Tape technique?

Answer 24

Malassezia pachydermatitis

Question 25

What yeast puritic skin infection causes a greasy coat?

Answer 25

Malassezia pachydermatitis

Question 26

What species is the Tape technique good for diagnosing Cheyletiella infestations in?

Answer 26

Rabbits

Question 27

Name the 5 advantages of the Tape technique

Answer 27

1. Cheap 2. Easy 3. Quick 4. Not stressful or painful to patient 5. Can be used in hard to reach places (such as elbow) using a microscope

Question 28

Name the 1 disadvantage of the Tape technique

Answer 28

1. Can only be used on dry areas

Question 29

PLUCKED