Diagnostic Techniques in Veterinary Dermatology

Investigating skin diseases takes practice and experience getting it wrong can lead to mistakes in diagnosis and treatment.

Traditional dermatology texts tell you what to do, but not how to do it. This is the first book devoted solely to the techniques used to investigate skin problems in animals. Written for veterinary practitioners, nurses, and students, it provides practical guidance on how to carry out and interpret all of the major dermatology tests.

· Colour pictures throughout

· Step–by–step flow charts and instructions

· Tips of the trade

· Specificity and sensitivity; what do the results mean?

· Pros and cons; which test is best?

· Self–assessment tests; teach yourself

Contents

Introduction.

Part 1 techniques.

1. Looking for parasites.

2. Hair plucks.

3. Cytology.

4. Fungal and bacterial cultures.

5. Biopsy for histopathology and culture.

6. Allergy tests.

7. Blood and urine tests.

a) Tests for immune–mediated skin diseases.

b) Endocrine and metabolic skin diseases.

8. Infectious skin diseases.

9. Diagnostic imaging.

10. Otoscopes and examination of the ears.

11. Microscopy.

Part 2 Applications.

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction to dermatological tests

Chapter 2 Looking for parasites

Chapter 3 Hair plucks and trichograms

Chapter 4 Dermoscopy

Chapter 5 Cytology

Chapter 6 Fungal and bacterial cultures and identification

Chapter 7 Introduction to histopathology

Chapter 8 Allergy testing

Chapter 9 Immune-mediated skin diseases

Chapter 10 Endocrine and metabolic skin disease

Chapter 11 Infectious diseases

Chapter 12 Diagnostic imaging

Chapter 13 Otoscopy and examination of the ear

Chapter 14 Which test to choose when

Chapter 15 Genetic tests for skin diseases

Further Reading