Liver biopsy in pets

Liver biopsy in pets (dogs and cats) is a diagnostic procedure used to obtain a tissue sample
from the liver for histopathological examination. It helps in diagnosing liver diseases such as
inflammation (hepatitis), fibrosis, tumors, or other hepatic abnormalities.
Indications for Liver Biopsy
– Unexplained liver enzyme elevations (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT)
– Suspected hepatic neoplasia
– Chronic hepatitis or inflammation
– Liver masses or nodules
– Unexplained clinical signs such as jaundice, weight loss, or vomiting
– Assessment of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis
– Confirming or ruling out specific liver diseases

Types of Liver Biopsy
– Percutaneous biopsy:
– Less invasive, done with ultrasound guidance
– Usually involves a core needle or tru-cut biopsy needle
– Laparoscopic biopsy:
– Minimally invasive, using a small camera and instruments through small incisions
– Allows visual assessment of the liver
– Surgical (open) biopsy:
– Performed via a surgical incision under general anesthesia
– Used when other methods are inconclusive, liver has regressed in size or multiple samples
are needed

Pre-Procedure Preparation**
– Blood work:
– Complete blood count (CBC), coagulation profile (PT/PTT), liver function tests
– Correct coagulopathies or thrombocytopenia prior to biopsy
– Fasting:
– Usually 12 hours before anesthesia to reduce risk of vomiting
– Imaging:
– Ultrasound guides the procedure, identifies suitable sites, and avoids major vessels
Procedure
– Performed under general anesthesia with meticulous monitoring
– Ultrasound guided needle placement in percutaneous biopsies
– Multiple tissue cores are obtained for accurate diagnosis
– For surgical biopsies, an incision is made, and a wedge or multiple cores are taken

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Post-Procedure Care
– Monitor for bleeding, pain, or signs of complications
– Restrict activity for 24-48 hours
– Keep the site clean and dry if external sutures are placed
– Follow-up blood work if bleeding or coagulopathy was a concern

Risks and Complications
– Bleeding or hemorrhage
– Infection
– Pain or discomfort
– Bile leakage (rare)
– Inconclusive results if samples are inadequate
Advantages
– Provides definitive diagnosis
– Guides appropriate treatment plans
– Minimally invasive options available with ultrasound guidance or
Limitations
– Requires anesthesia and specialized skill
– Risks of bleeding or complications in coagulopathic pets
– May need multiple samples for accuracy
Summary
Liver biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool in pets with hepatic disease, helping veterinarians
tailor management based on precise histopathologic findings. Proper pre-procedure
assessment and post-procedure monitoring are essential for safety.
Please book a consultation at Groat if your pet has elevated liver values and craft a diagnostic
plan.