VLD 421: Veterinary Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnosis-II (0+1)

COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF BIOPSY SAMPLES

Bone marrow

• Since bone marrow cells degenerate after death it should be collected from live animals. Bone containing active red marrow is selected and  collected using biopsy needle.
• In horse and cow the external angle of ilium, sternabra in sheep and sternum or ilium in dog is suitable for puncture.
• The bone marrow smear is fixed in methyl alcohol for 2 minutes.

Liver biopsy

• Trocar and canula or Trucut biopsy needle may be used on the right side.

Site 

Cattle	11th intercostal space
Horse	11th or 14th intercostal space
Dog	8th to 10th intercostal space or from a ventral midline incision

• The technique of liver biopsy can be dangerous, if performed by unskilled hands it may lead to severe haemorrhages.
• It is also essential that asepsis to be maintained otherwise there is a risk of peritonitis.

Renal biopsy

• Renal biopsy in dogs and cats may be carried out by Franklin modified Vim –Silvermann needle or by keyhole surgery.

Consequences

• Haemorrhages might be a problem following renal biopsy.
• Hence, it is advisable to evaluate the haemostatic status of the patient prior to surgery.