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Skin Scraping for External Parasites
Douglas J. DeBoer, DVM, DACVD, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Diagnostic evaluation of a patient with skin disease always starts with the dermatologic essential baseline—namely skin scrapings, skin cytology, and ear cytology. Identifying parasitic and infectious causes of skin and ear disease is the first priority, as these conditions are common. After careful examination for fleas via combing, the next step is to evaluate for microscopic ectoparasites, typically found with 1 or more skin-scraping methods.
What You Will Need
Pictured
Mineral oil in dropper bottle
Dull #10 scalpel blade or stainless steel microspatula
Microscope slides and cover slips
Clear (ie, not frosted) cellophane (acetate) tape
Thumb (ie, not rat-toothed) or mosquito forceps
Not Shown
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