Full disclosure, the study on dog needle core biopsy results is small. Very small. Like just 17 cats and 3 dogs in the study. However, it looks like this biopsy option might be just as useful (and safe) as the typical surgical biopsies (with bigger incisions). I, honestly, had no idea veterinarians needed so many samples to diagnose many chronic diffuse intestinal diseases in dogs and cats.
Dog Needle Core Biopsy Locations
Basically, veterinarians need to get several "full thickness" biopsy samples from pets with chronic diffuse intestinal diseases like intestinal lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Apparently, it's pretty hard to tell them apart without a number of samples from these parts of the small intestines:
- Duodenum
- Jejunum
- Ileum
Use this link to the Washington State veterinary school's' site to see where these 3 areas are on a dog's digestive system.
Basically, the researchers did typical surgical biopsies and then also dog needle core biopsies nearby and compared the results.
Dog Needle Core Biopsy (Small Study) Results
100% agreement between biopsy techniques to diagnose between lymphoma and IBD (using both histopathology and immunochemistry)
90-100% agreement between the techniques to categorize different histological categories:
- Lymphoplasmacytic
- Eosinophilic
- Neutrophilic
Plus, smaller incisions
Faster too! Regular incision biopsy - mean of 599 seconds vs dog needle core biopsy - mean of 262 seconds
A Clinician's Brief article recaps as follows: "Needle-core biopsy can be quick and safe when performed via abdominal laparotomy with single-suture biopsy site closure in patients with diffuse small intestinal disease."
What Does that Mean for Your Dog?
Well, if your dog needs an intestinal biopsy, ask your veterinarian or veterinary specialist about doing a dog needle core biopsy instead. It may be an option for your dog's case.
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