Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample from the dog’s body for microscopic examination in the laboratory.

If the vet feels a suspicious lump or discovers an unclear change during the ultrasound examination, this question often arises: Is the tissue benign or malignant? Imaging procedures alone cannot answer this question. Only the examination of a tissue sample brings clarity.

When do vets recommend a biopsy?

A tissue sample is taken when other examination methods do not allow a definitive diagnosis.

The most common reasons are palpable lumps of unknown nature, chronic skin inflammation that does not respond to any treatment, and organ changes that stand out in ultrasound or X-rays. If bone tumours are suspected, a bone biopsy may be necessary.

Not every lump needs to be biopsied. An experienced vet can already identify many benign changes such as lipomas (fatty tumours) by palpation and ultrasound.

What biopsy procedures are there for dogs?

The method depends on the location and size of the suspicious area.

Fine needle aspiration: Individual cells are suctioned off with a thin cannula. Usually possible without anaesthesia, but the procedure provides only limited information about the tissue structure.

Core needle biopsy: A hollow needle removes a small cylinder of tissue. The insight into the tissue structure is greater than with fine-needle aspiration. It is frequently used for skin changes or organ biopsies.

Surgical biopsy: Either a piece of tissue (incisional biopsy) or the entire lesion (excisional biopsy) is removed. It provides the most comprehensive information but requires a surgical procedure.

Endoscopic procedures are used for hard-to-reach areas – for example, to take samples of stomach or intestinal tissue.

How much does a biopsy cost in dogs?

The costs vary considerably depending on the effort and scope of the examination.

A simple fine-needle aspiration costs around 80 to 150 euros, including cytological examination. Core needle biopsies with histopathological processing usually cost between 200 and 400 euros. Surgical biopsies can cost between 400 and 800 euros, depending on the anaesthesia effort and duration of the operation.

In addition, there are often extra costs for preliminary examinations such as blood tests or X-rays. If malignant findings are present, further specialist examinations such as immunohistochemistry may be required, costing an additional 150 to 300 euros.

How does a biopsy in dogs work?

The procedure depends on the method chosen but follows a basic pattern.

Before the procedure, a preliminary examination with a blood test is carried out to check anaesthetic suitability. The biopsy site is shaved and disinfected. Depending on the procedure, the dog receives local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.

The tissue sampling itself usually takes only a few minutes. The sample is immediately fixed in formalin and sent to the laboratory. Results are normally available after 3 to 7 working days.

For superficial procedures, the dog can often go home on the same day. After larger biopsies, it stays in the clinic overnight for monitoring.

What are the risks of a biopsy?

Serious complications are rare.

Minor post-operative bleeding occurs occasionally and usually subsides on its own. Infections at the biopsy site are unlikely with sterile working methods. Pain can be well controlled with appropriate medication.

With organ biopsies – such as of the liver or spleen – there is a slight risk of internal bleeding. Modern ultrasound guidance and experienced hands significantly minimise this risk.

The anaesthetic risk is the same as for any other operation and is very low in healthy dogs.

What should be noted after a biopsy?

Afterscare depends on the type and extent of the procedure.

For small skin biopsies, a plaster for 1 to 2 days is often sufficient. Larger wounds require a protective bandage and being kept on a lead for about a week. Stitches are removed after 10 to 14 days.

Watch for signs of wound infection: increasing swelling, redness, foul-smelling discharge or excessive licking at the site. In these cases, you should contact the vet promptly.

After organ biopsies, the dog is usually a bit quieter than usual. This is normal and resolves within a few days.