Diagnostic
Tests: Introduction (3 of 3)
Common Tests and Their Uses
Some of the most common tests in veterinary dermatology are listed
below, together with their principal uses. The list is not exclusive
and uses may go beyond those given. For instance, scrapings made
without paraffin can be used to prepare smears for determination
of the presence of bacteria or yeasts.
Immediate Tests
|
Procedure
|
Pathogen or pathology demonstrated
|
|
Skin scrapings
|
Ectoparasites, dermatophytes, nematodes
|
|
Wood's lamp examination
|
Certain species of dermatophyte (esp. Microsporum canis)
|
|
Hair plucks
|
Ectoparasites, dermatophytes, hair structure
|
|
Coat brushings
|
Superficial ectoparasites
|
|
Tape strips
|
Superficial ectoparasites or microbes, especially yeasts
|
|
Smears (various methods)
|
Cytology, microbes
|
Delayed Tests
|
Procedure
|
Pathogen or pathology demonstrated
|
|
Culture (swabs, hair, scale)
|
Bacterial or fungal organisms
|
|
Biopsy
|
Histopathological features or sample for culture
|
|
Intradermal test
|
Immediate hypersensitivity (atopic disease)
|
|
|
