A guide to in‐house dermatological tests

Background : Skin and ear diseases form a significant part of the daily caseload of general practitioners working in small animal practice. To establish the role of both primary and secondary factors in these cases, diagnostic testing should be performed. Understanding how to perform these tests properly, and what their limitations are, is key to successful investigation and management. There are numerous low‐cost in‐house diagnostic tests available for the investigation of dermatological disease, and many can be rapidly performed patient side by veterinary surgeons or nurses. Selecting the most appropriate diagnostic test(s) relies on the outcome of a thorough physical and dermatological examination and formulation of prioritised problem and differential diagnoses lists. Aim of the article : This article outlines practical, in‐house diagnostic methods for common dermatological conditions in dogs and cats. It is relevant to vets, nurses and students.