Southern Ocean Animal Hospital

Skin Scraping

Imagine your pet is super itchy, scratching all day, and losing fur. Sometimes tiny bugs called mites live under their skin, but they’re too small to see....
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Skin Scraping
Skin Scraping
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🐾 Skin Scraping in Veterinary Dermatology

Specialized Care & Diagnostics > General Dermatology
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital – 319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Skin scraping is a diagnostic procedure used to detect mites, fungal infections, and other microscopic causes of skin disease in pets. A veterinarian collects a small sample of skin and debris using a sterile scalpel blade, then examines it under a microscope. The procedure is quick, affordable, minimally uncomfortable, and often provides same-day results. At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, uses skin scraping—alongside advanced diagnostic tools—to accurately identify skin issues and guide treatment for dogs, cats, and other pets across Ocean County, the Jersey Shore, Long Beach Island (LBI), and surrounding towns.

ELI5 (Explain Like I’m 5)

Imagine your pet is super itchy, scratching all day, and losing fur. Sometimes tiny bugs called mites live under their skin, but they’re too small to see.

  • Skin scraping is like gently scratching off a little bit of skin to put under a microscope.
  • The vet checks if mites, fungus, or bacteria are hiding there.
  • This helps the vet know what medicine will really help instead of guessing.

Key Points (Bullet Summary)

  • What it is: Skin scraping collects skin cells and debris for microscopic examination.
  • Why it matters: Identifies mites, fungi, bacteria, yeast, and inflammatory conditions.
  • Procedure: Quick, affordable, usually well-tolerated without sedation.
  • Most common issues diagnosed:
    • Demodex mites (demodicosis)
    • Sarcoptes mites (scabies)
    • Cheyletiella (“walking dandruff”)
    • Ringworm (fungal infections)
    • Bacterial or yeast infections
  • Veterinarian’s role: Experience matters; technique affects accuracy.
  • Timeline: Results are often available in under 30 minutes.
  • At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital: Dr. Pascetta combines hands-on expertise with on-site labs for fast, reliable diagnosis.

Introduction

Skin disease is one of the most common reasons pets are brought to the veterinarian. Dogs and cats may suffer from itching, hair loss, redness, or crusting, which can stem from allergies, parasites, fungal infections, or systemic illness. Because symptoms often look the same, veterinarians rely on skin scraping as an essential diagnostic tool.

A skin scraping is simple in theory, but in practice, the skill of the veterinarian—such as Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital—determines its success. Collecting a representative sample, choosing the right technique (superficial vs. deep), and interpreting the microscopic findings requires training and experience.

What is a Skin Scraping?

A skin scraping is a diagnostic test where a veterinarian uses a sterile scalpel blade to gently scrape an area of skin, collecting cells, debris, and (if present) parasites. The sample is placed on a microscope slide with mineral oil and examined for mites, fungal elements, bacteria, or abnormal cells.

Why It’s Important

  1. Mites Are Invisible to the Naked Eye
    • Many mites burrow into skin or hair follicles and cannot be seen without magnification.
  2. Symptoms Look Alike
    • Itching, redness, and hair loss could mean fleas, allergies, fungus, or mites. Skin scraping narrows it down.
  3. Affordable and Accessible
    • Unlike advanced imaging or lab tests, skin scraping provides immediate, low-cost answers.
  4. Guides Treatment
    • Determines whether antiparasitic, antifungal, or antibacterial medications are needed.

Techniques Used by Experienced Veterinarians

Dr. Pascetta and other experienced veterinarians adapt the scraping technique based on the suspected disease:

  1. Superficial Skin Scraping
    • Used for mites that live on the surface (e.g., Sarcoptes, Cheyletiella).
    • Mineral oil applied to skin and blade.
    • Broad scraping of affected skin.
  2. Deep Skin Scraping
    • Used for mites that live in hair follicles (e.g., Demodex).
    • Skin is pinched to push mites to surface.
    • Scraping continues until small capillary bleeding appears.
  3. Multiple Samples
    • Taking samples from several lesions increases diagnostic accuracy.
  4. Slide Preparation
    • Material transferred to a slide with mineral oil, ensuring mites adhere and can be visualized.
  5. Microscopic Examination
    • High-power magnification used to identify parasites or fungal elements.

What Skin Scraping Can Reveal

  • Mites (Mange)
    • Demodex canis → demodicosis (often in young or immunocompromised dogs).
    • Sarcoptes scabiei → scabies, highly contagious and zoonotic.
    • Cheyletiella → “walking dandruff,” causes itching and scaling.
  • Fungal Infections
    • Hyphae and spores from dermatophytes (ringworm).
  • Bacteria and Yeast
    • Secondary infections contributing to skin irritation.
  • Inflammatory or Abnormal Cells
    • May suggest autoimmune disease or neoplasia.

Example Case

Case: Luna the Bulldog
Luna developed bald patches on her face and legs. At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Pascetta performed deep skin scrapings. Microscopy revealed Demodex mites, confirming juvenile demodicosis. Luna was prescribed oral antiparasitic medication and monitored with repeat scrapings. Within 8 weeks, her coat had regrown, and she was itch-free.

Timeline of a Skin Scraping

  • Day 1: Pet exam; scraping performed in clinic.
  • 30 minutes: Results available same-day under microscope.
  • Week 2–4: Follow-up scraping may monitor progress.
  • Month 1–2: Resolution of skin disease with correct treatment.

What-If Situations

  • What if no mites are found?
    – Doesn’t always rule out mites; false negatives occur. Additional tests may be needed.
  • What if only bacteria/yeast are seen?
    – Infection may be secondary; allergies or systemic issues could be underlying cause.
  • What if scrapings are inconclusive?
    – Biopsy or fungal culture may follow.
  • What if my pet won’t tolerate scraping?
    – Most tolerate well, but mild restraint or sedation may be used in sensitive cases.

Most Common Issues Found in Skin Scrapings

  • Demodicosis (Demodex mange) – hair follicle mite infestation.
  • Sarcoptic mange (scabies) – intense itching, contagious to humans.
  • Cheyletiellosis (“walking dandruff”) – flaky, itchy skin.
  • Ringworm (fungal infection) – zoonotic risk to families.
  • Secondary bacterial or yeast overgrowth – worsens itching and odor.

Service Area

Southern Ocean Animal Hospital is located at:
📍 319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

We proudly serve pets across Ocean County, the Jersey Shore, Long Beach Island (LBI), and towns within a 35-mile radius:

  • Ocean County: Manahawkin, Stafford Township, Barnegat, Waretown, Forked River, Bayville, Ocean Gate, Toms River, Brick, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights.
  • LBI towns: Surf City, Ship Bottom, Beach Haven, Long Beach Township, Eagleswood.
  • Atlantic County: Galloway, Absecon, Brigantine, Atlantic City.
  • Burlington County: Bass River Township, New Gretna.

Pet owners often travel over an hour because Southern Ocean Animal Hospital is regarded as one of the most trusted veterinary hospitals in the region for dermatology and advanced diagnostics.

Is it time for a check-up? Contact Us

Is your pet scratching, losing hair, or developing skin lesions? These signs may indicate mites, fungal infections, or other microscopic causes that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, uses skin scraping and advanced diagnostics to uncover the true cause of your pet’s skin problems—providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

📞 Call today to schedule an appointment and help your pet find lasting relief.

Schedule Today!