Ultrasound-guided biopsy
Medical sonography (ultrasonography) is the use of high frequency sound waves to image in real time, organs and soft tissue structures. This non painful test is utilized in the investigation of clinical and diagnostic abnormalities and for the diagnosis and staging of cancer. Ultrasonography allows the veterinarian to precisely guide a small gauge needle into target lesions so that a small amount of tissue can be obtained. This type of testing may be recommended for lesions where a diagnosis could not be obtained with an ultrasound guided fine needle aspirate or for lesions where obtaining tissue and not just cells is required. Although this type of biopsy does not require an incision your pet will need to be sedated or lightly anesthetized to safely obtain the sample. This test is generally performed on an outpatient basis.
