Skin Scraping for External Parasites

Douglas J. DeBoer, DVM, DACVD, University of Wisconsin–Madison

ArticleLast Updated April 20167 min readPeer Reviewed
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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

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  • 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 

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