Skin: scrape in Rabbits (Lapis) | Vetlexicon
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Skin: scrape

ISSN 2398-2969


Introduction

Print-off the Owner factsheet Samples - how they help your vet to give to your clients.

Uses

Parasite identification

Advantages

  • Inexpensive, effective diagnostic aid.

Disadvantages

  • Negative findings do not rule out sarcoptic mange Sarcoptic mange or cheyletiellosis Cheyletiellosis.
  • Numerous scrapings often required (at least 10-15).

Technical problems

  • Adaptation of technique for specific parasite enhances success of diagnosis.

Alternative techniques

  • Skin biopsy Biopsy: skin.
  • Hair pluck and trichogram: ectoparasites rarely found except in demodicosis Skin: demodicosis.
  • Scurf examination.
  • Coat brushing or combing.
  • Impression smears.

Procedure

  • Few minutes to collect sample, <20 min to examine sample.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

  • When ectoparasite skin infestation is suspected.
  • For ectoparasite identification.
  • Superficial skin scraping: surface living mites.
  • Deep skin scraping: burrowing or follicular mites.

Requirements

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Preparation

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Technique

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Aftercare

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Outcomes

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
  • Bhowmik A, Mallick Sinha M G & Barman D C (2015) Role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of skin and superficial soft tissue lesions: A study of 510 cases. Turk Patoloji Derg 31 (3), 200-205 PubMed.
  • Kanfer S & Reavill D R (2013) Cutaneous neoplasia in ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 16 (3), 579-598 PubMed.
  • Palmeiro B S & Roberts H (2013) Clinical approach to dermatologic disease in exotic animals. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 16 (3), 523-577 PubMed.
  • Campbell T W (2007) Basics of cytology and fluid cytology. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 10 (1), 1-24 PubMed.
  • White S D, Bourdeau P J & Meredith A (2002) Dermatological problems in rabbits. Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine​ 11 (3), 141-50 Academia.
  • Harvey C (1995) Rabbit and rodent skin diseases. Semin Avian Exotic Pet Med (4), 195-204 ScienceDirect.
  • Vos J H, van den Ingh T S, van Mil F N (1989) Non-exfoliative canine cytology - the value of fine needle aspiration and scraping cytology. Vet Q 11 (4), 222-231 PubMed.
  • Smith E K (1988) How to detect common skin mites through skin scrapings. Vet Med 83 (2), 165-170 VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

  • Varga M (2014) Skin Diseases. In: Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. Butterworth Heineman, Elsevier. pp 271-302.
  • Meredith A (2014) Dermatoses. In: BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine & Surgery. Eds: Meredith A & Lord B. BSAVA, UK. pp. 255-263.
  • Miller W H, Scott D W, Griffin C E & Campbell K L (2013) Diagnostic Methods. In: Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. 7th edn. Elsevier, USA. pp. 57-107.
  • Meredith A (2006) Skin Diseases and Treatment of Rabbits. In: Skin Diseases of Exotic Pets. Ed: Paterson S. Blackwell Publishing, UK. pp 288-311.
  • Meredith A (2006) Examination of Mammalian Skin and Diagnostic Tests. In: Skin Diseases of Exotic Pets. Ed: Paterson S. Blackwell Publishing, UK. pp 184-194.
  • Moriello K A & Mason I S (1995) Eds Handbook of Small Animal Dermatology. 1st edn. Pergamon. pp 31-33 (Step by step procedure).
  • Muller G H et al (1995) Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. 5th edn. W B Saunders, USA. pp 94-98 (Detailed account with particular reference to techniques of scraping for different mites).