Pet Biopsies
Pet Biopsies in Westwood & Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
Our pets mean the world to us. Whether we are playing with them at the park or snuggling up while we watch a movie, few things make us feel better than spending time with our furry friends. However, we need to take good care of them just like we do for ourselves. This means controlling their diet, helping them stay active, and bringing them to the veterinarian’s office for checkups.
If your pet is showing signs of illness, veterinarians may recommend a biopsy to aid in diagnosis. Our team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital in Westwood, NJ, and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital in Pompton Lakes, NJ, provides pet owners throughout the Tri-State area with reliable diagnostic care, including biopsies if necessary, that can make a big difference in their pet’s life.
What Is a Biopsy?
Biopsies are procedures veterinarians use to test for cancer or other serious conditions. Biopsies involve removing a sample of cells or a piece of tissue from your pet’s body and having it tested at a special laboratory. These procedures help make important diagnoses before it’s too late, allowing a closer examination of cells than other tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, allow.
Choosing these veterinary services allows veterinarians to understand the exact cause of the problem, which helps our veterinarians choose the right course of action. They also help pet owners understand what to keep an eye out for in the future.
Gastroenterology
Pet gastrointestinal health can manifest differently from animal to animal. Specialized diagnostics are often necessary to devise a targeted treatment plan. Our veterinarians diagnose and treat several stomach and intestinal problems, helping improve your pet’s wellness and comfort. Seek specialized care for the following conditions:
- Inflammation of the colon (colitis), stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis), and pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which occurs when the pancreas cannot produce digestive enzymes as it should
- Small intestinal malabsorption, when the small intestine cannot properly absorb nutrients
Cat and Dog Biopsy Types
There are several different options when it comes to biopsies. Each of these options helps veterinarians plan accordingly. Types of veterinary biopsies include:
Punch Biopsies
A punch biopsy is used to test for and diagnose potential dermatological diseases and other conditions. During the procedure, a small, round piece of tissue is removed from the skin. The sample is then examined closely under a microscope. This test can help identify lumps, rashes, and spots and rule out certain types of dog or cat cancer.
Jamshidi Needle Biopsies
These biopsies involve using a hollow needle with a tapered edge to help reach the bone marrow. A syringe is attached to the top, which helps veterinarians take a sample of the tissue from inside the bone marrow. This, too, will then be examined under a microscope to let doctors get a closer look.
Needle-Core Biopsies
Needle-core biopsies are great for masses that are in hard-to-reach locations or masses that are accompanied by a large area of necrosis. Ultrasounds can help veterinarians safely get the samples they need. This procedure obtains smaller samples but is still highly effective.
Wedge Biopsies
Wedge biopsies involve incisions and don’t require specialty tools. Veterinarians will make a larger incision to isolate the tissue.
How Do These Biopsies Help?
A biopsy helps doctors diagnose or rule out certain types of cancers. Lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs and cats. It starts in the lymphatic system and can affect specific areas or systems throughout the body, depending on the type. Pet owners may notice swollen lymph nodes in dogs with multicentric lymphoma, while alimentary lymphoma affects the gastrointestinal system, resulting in vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Mediastinal lymphoma is more common in felines, and symptoms include trouble breathing and fluid in the chest. Lastly, extranodal lymphoma affects the non-lymphatic organs.
Bone cancer is another common disease that affects cats and dogs. It is more likely found in larger breeds and impacts the bones in the limbs, causing wobbly walking, loss of appetite, fatigue, and even seizures. Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) are cancers in the white blood cells. These cancers come with vomiting, weight loss, dark stools, and itchy nodules on the head, neck, or ears. While most of these tumors are benign, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis.
Mammary cancer is another type that affects both cats and dogs. This form typically involves a lump on the chest area and can develop in both females and males. While mammary cancer can be life-threatening, many of these tumors can be surgically removed.
Make an Appointment Today
The thought of cancer in our pets is frightening but choosing a partner with advanced tools and diagnostic care services can help relieve some of the stress. Our team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital can help perform a cat or dog biopsy to figure out what’s wrong and how to move forward. We are conveniently located in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ, and serve the Tri-State area.
Our professionals can perform CT scans, endoscopies, ultrasounds, and more to get to the bottom of what’s going on with your pet. We provide specialized care options for an individual experience and answer calls 24 hours a day to help pet owners check in on pets staying overnight. Contact us today if you would like to make an appointment or if you have questions.
Service Available At:
Westwood
- 346 Kinderkamack Rd.
Westwood, NJ 07675 - 201-885-5040
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM
Pompton
- 9 Cannonball Rd. Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
- 973-835-4774
- Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 9 PMSaturday: 10 AM – 2 PMSunday: Closed