Skin sampling Flashcards
When should skin scrapings be obtained?
examine for ectoparasites in every case unless the clinician is absolutely certain the disease could not be caused by an examination
When should cytological examinations of exudates and pustule contents be done?
for evaluation of micro-organisms and inflammatory cell type routinely in animals with inflammatory diseases.
What might sequential screening show
reduction in number of parasites or reduction or shift in microbial populations as antimicrobials remove certain groups of pathogens.
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with skin scrapes? 3
ectoparasites (mites especially)
dermatophytes
nematodes
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with Wood’s lamp examination?
Certain species of dermatophyte (primarily Microsporum canis)
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with hair plucks?
ectoparasites
dermatophytes (cause fuzzy appearance of hair)
hair structure
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with coat brushings?
superficial ectoparasites (flea faeces, Cheyletiella)
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with tape strips? 2
Superficial ectoparasites or microbes, especially yeasts
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with smears (various methods) 2
cytology
microbes
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with culture (swabs, hair, scale, tissue)? 2
bacterial or fungal organisms
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with biopsy?
Histopathological features or sample for culture
What pathogen/pathology can be detected with an intradermal test
Immediate hypersensitivity (atopic disease)
Other than diagnostic tests, how else may a skin disease be diagnosed?
therapeutic responses may support a diagnosis. This is contraindicated in diseasess where lengthy, expensive and potentially toxic treatment is required - e.g. dermatophytosis, demodicosis and autoimmune diseases.
What is pemphigus folliaceus?
an autoimmune attack on desmosomal proteins (seen on cytology by rounded squamous cells in a sea of healthy neutrophils)
What use might FNAB be for skin massess?
Usually able to ID lymphoma and MCT relatively easily. Otherwise send off to a good lab.
