Cytology, skin scrapings and fungal testing
Three basic dermatological tests carried out in the consulting room: cytology (bacteria, yeasts), skin scrapings (skin parasites) and testing for ringworm. Most results are available during the visit.
What it involves
This is a set of simple, quick and minimally invasive tests with which every skin diagnosis begins. Cytology involves collecting cells from the surface of a lesion — by pressing a slide against it, sticking on a piece of tape or taking a swab — and examining them under the microscope after staining. We can see bacteria, yeasts, inflammatory cells and sometimes tumour cells.
A skin scraping involves scraping the top layer of skin with a blade, superficially or more deeply, until the skin turns slightly red. In the sample we look for parasites: Demodex mites, sarcoptic mites, Cheyletiella. A trichogram, that is an assessment of plucked hairs, completes the examination — it shows whether the hairs are broken off by licking or have fallen out by themselves, and whether fungal spores are attached to them.
The mycological examination is a test for ringworm: Wood's lamp, trichogram and culture on a growth medium. The lamp and trichogram give a result straight away but do not rule the disease out; culture is more reliable, but takes 1–3 weeks.
When it is used
We carry out these tests at practically every dermatology visit: for itching, hair loss, pustules, scabs, scaling, a change in skin odour or discharge from the ears. We repeat them at check-ups to check objectively that the infection has resolved, and not merely that the skin “looks better”.
We particularly recommend a mycological examination in cats, young animals, animals from shelters or breeders, and always when skin lesions have also appeared in people in the household.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- Your dog or cat has pustules, scabs or round bald patches with a scaly edge on the skin.
- The skin in the folds, under the armpits or between the toes is red, greasy and smells unpleasant.
- A puppy has bald patches around the eyes and on the muzzle, without obvious itching.
- Your dog scratches its elbows, ear margins and belly intensely, and the itching does not respond to medication.
- Your cat or dog has obvious dandruff, and the coat seems to “move”.
- A member of your household has developed a round, red patch on the skin after contact with the animal.
- Brown or yellow discharge comes from the ear.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
These tests are themselves the first stage of diagnosis and do not require any earlier tests. Preparation matters: no bathing for 3–5 days, no ointments or sprays on the lesions on the day of the visit and, where possible, no newly started antibiotics or steroids.
We always interpret the results together with the history and clinical picture — the presence of yeasts on the skin of a healthy dog is normal; the problem is an excess of them at the site of the lesions. That is why we take material deliberately, from specific lesions, and compare it with the picture at subsequent visits.
How it proceeds
Material is collected in the consulting room, without anaesthesia. Impression and tape cytology is painless; an ear swab causes a moment of discomfort. A deep scraping requires scraping the skin until it is slightly red with pinpoint bleeding — it is not pleasant, but lasts only 10–20 seconds and most animals tolerate it well with gentle restraint. In very painful or nervous patients we offer brief sedation.
We stain the samples and examine them under the microscope straight away — you have the result of the cytology, scrapings, trichogram and Wood's lamp before you leave the consulting room. We set up the fungal culture on a medium and read it over 2–3 weeks; if ringworm is suspected we can also send a sample for PCR testing, which gives an answer in a few days.
Aftercare
After scrapings, the sampling site may be slightly red for a day — it needs no care. We start treatment based on the result on the same day: antiparasitic preparations, medicated baths, topical or systemic medication.
We give you the culture result by telephone or at the check-up; if ringworm is confirmed, we discuss disinfecting the home and testing the other animals. We repeat cytology at a check-up after 2–4 weeks to confirm that the infection has resolved before medication is stopped.
Frequently asked questions
Do skin scrapings hurt?
Superficial ones hardly at all. Deep ones are unpleasant for 10–20 seconds — the epidermis has to be scraped until it bleeds slightly, because Demodex lives deep in the follicles. They do not require anaesthesia.
The scraping came back negative — does that mean there are definitely no parasites?
Not always. Sarcoptic mites are found in only some affected dogs, so with typical signs we use a trial treatment despite a negative result.
How long do I wait for the result of a ringworm test?
Wood's lamp and trichogram — straight away, but they detect only some cases. Culture needs 1–3 weeks, PCR a few days.
Do I have to isolate my cat until the culture result?
If suspicion of ringworm is strong, yes — especially from children and other animals. We will advise how to do this sensibly, without shutting the cat away for weeks.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Have questions about skin cytology and scrapings, and mycological examination?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.