Small Animal Dermatology, 3rd edition

48 BASICS

 Organisms will be clearer when using oil immersion (e.g., 1000×) or when a drop of

immersion oil is placed on the slide with a cover slip applied when using high dry

objective (e.g., 400×).

 Permanently save the slide by applying a small amount of mounting medium (e.g.,

Permount) with a cover slip.

 Tips for evaluating cytology samples:
Melanin granules can mimic bacteria in cytologic samples; they are typically

round to oblong and have a green/brown coloration

Keratohyalin granules are pink to purple and irregular in shape and are typically

seen within epidermal cells

Stain precipitate is amorphous and granular and often dark purple or black in

color.

Fig. 5.1.Skin scraping technique: scrape in the direction of the hair growth, “scoop” up debris accumulated
on blade, and transfer onto a glass slide.