References

Chickering WR Cytologic evaluation of otic exudates. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1988; 18:773-82

Miller WH, Griffin CE, Campbell KL Diagnostic methiods. In: Miller WH, Griffin CE, Campbell KL (eds). St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2013

Skarkey LC, Seelig DM, Overmann J All lesions great and small, part 1: diagnostic cytology in veterinary medicine. Diagn Cytopathol. 2014; 42:535-43

Skin cytology for the veterinary nurse

02 March 2019
8 mins read
Volume 10 · Issue 2

Abstract

Skin cytology forms an important part of any dermatological investigation and lends itself well to input from the veterinary nurse. Basic diagnostic procedures such as acetate tape impression smears, direct and indirect impression smears and fine needle aspirates can be undertaken with only a minimal amount of equipment and will produce clinical information that can contribute hugely to the successful management of the case. A knowledge of the most important types of cellular infiltrate and pathogens is needed in order to undertake meaningful interpretation of the results.

The first step in the investigation of any skin problem involves the taking of a thorough general and dermatological history followed by a physical and dermatological examination. These procedures should be undertaken in every case, as they allow the clinician to formulate a list of differential diagnoses and an appropriate list of diagnostic procedures. Skin scrapes and hair plucks are important as part of the investigation for ectoparasites. However acetate tape impression smears, direct and indirect impression smears and fine needle aspirates are crucial to assess skin cytology. Stained swabs of ear discharge can help identify aural pathogens (Miller et al, 2013). Cytology can identify the cell types involved in the disease process to decide if the skin condition is inflammatory or neoplastic, as well as the presence of bacteria and yeast.

The choice of diagnostic technique will depend on the type of lesion that is presented. Where the lesion is superficial, such as an area of erythema, erosion, ulceration or primary lesions like papules or pustules, then acetate tape impression smears and direct and indirect smears are most useful. Where lesions are nodular then a fine needle aspirate is the diagnostic test of choice. Where the examination of otic cytology is needed samples of discharge can be taken from the ear using a swab. Basic investigative steps for cytology are low cost and quick and easy to undertake, however they consistently yield diagnostic information that can help with the management of the case (Sharkey et al, 2014).

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