Complementary examinations in Dermatology

Complementary examinations with immediate result

These examinations are conducted during consultations with dermatologists, and the results are immediately available. They provide valuable information to assist in diagnosing and refining the treatment for the current dermatological condition. The examinations generally do not require sedation.

• Skin scrape test involves scraping the superficial layers of the epidermis with a scalpel blade and further evaluating the material under a microscope to detect parasites.
• Trichography involves sampling hair follicles (hair plucks) for microscopic observation. This can reveal parasites and fungal spores and identify hair growth phases.
• Cytology tests, such as the impression smear or the tape stipe test, involve applying a glass slide or a piece of tape to the skin. After staining and examination under the microscope, they may show bacteria or yeasts, then reveal a skin infection. The treatment is adjusted based on the results obtained from the microscope.
• The ear swab examination involves gently collecting the contents of the external ear canal with a cotton swab. After smearing the collected sample on a glass slide, staining it, and examining it under a microscope, otitis can be characterised as bacterial or fungal, and the treatment can be tailored accordingly. Wood’s lamp examination allows for observing the skin and hairs. If specific agents of dermatophytes are present, the UV light reveals a green fluorescence. This exam is simple and completely painless.

Cytology tests and cultures

• Mycological culture identifies and quantifies fungal or yeast agents. This is done by rubbing a sterile swab on the pet's coat. The sample is then sent to a certified veterinary mycology laboratory for analysis, and the results are typically available in about 15 days.
• Bacterial culture is performed when there is a suspicion of bacterial skin infections. It is important to determine the specific bacteria involved
• and their sensitivity to different antibiotics. A sterile swab gently collects a sample from the affected area. The sample is then sent to a veterinary bacteriology laboratory for analysis, and results are typically available within a week. This analysis is becoming more common due to the growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in veterinary and human medicine.
• A skin biopsy takes a small piece of skin using a biopsy punch. The sample typically measures 6 to 8 mm in diameter. This procedure enables a precise analysis of the skin tissue to either confirm or guide a diagnosis. In some instances,
• it is carried out under local anaesthesia, but more commonly, it is performed under mild sedation.