Dermatology expert stresses importance of cytology and cultures

At the 2023 New York Vet Show in New York, New York, Andrew Rosenberg, DVM, DACVD, with Animal Dermatology Group, Inc, discussed with dvm360® the importance of cytology in dermatologic testing, plus what's often overlooked in veterinary dermatology.

The following is a transcript of the video.

Andrew Rosenberg, DVM, DACVD: By far, the top dermatology test is cytology. Everything should be "cytologied" in dermatology, it gives us so much information. Most importantly, with ear infections, especially every case of an ear infection should have a cytology performed.

So, there are a few things that are overlooked [in veterinary dermatology]. One important thing I think, is the importance of cytology. Again, almost everything in derm should have a cytology performed. And then I think cultures are really important, too. If you're treating a skin infection or an ear infection, [and] you're really not getting results and resolution, a bacterial culture and sensitivity should be performed which can give us a lot of information.