See also Itchmite, Mange

Diagnosis

Based on clinical findings and demonstration and identification of parasite on skin scraping or skin biopsy.

Specimens required for diagnosis

1. Skin scrapings, submitted unpreserved for parasitological examination.
2. In cases where parasites cannot be demonstrated in skin scrapings in the field, a skin biopsy sample from an affected area, submitted in buffered formalin for histopathology.

Specimens required for parasite identification

1. Insects: (flies, lice, fleas etc) Arachnids: (ticks, spiders, mites etc.) - submit preserved in 70% alcohol in a small leak proof container.
2. Insect larvae - where live larvae are required for insecticide tests, consign about fifty in a ventilated container with about 3 cm vermiculite in the bottom. Larvae can be collected from "struck" wool by placing the wool on a sheet of paper in sunlight.
3. Mange mites - scrape recent lesions, using a scalpel moistened with liquid paraffin. Transfer scrapings to a small wide mouthed bottle and submit unpreserved.