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Microscopic section of skin from a biopsy 

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Microscopic section of skin from a biopsy 

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As with all things in life, results or answers cannot always be found. Medicine is not an exact science and although a biopsy may go far for determining many diseases and give answers, there are times that one cannot obtain certainty.

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• The skin sample is sent to a laboratory where it is processed and an expert called a pathologist tries to identify the underlying cause of the disease by inspecting the tissue under a microscope. They look for abnormal changes in skin compared to normal skin. Over and above the skin sample the pathologist also relies heavily on the vet’s clinical examination, thoughts and other diagnostic tests that may have been conducted on the animal.
• Once the pathologist has finished analysis the sample and information they then send a detailed report of their findings to your vet who will then contact you to discuss the results. This can generally take around 7 working days.

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What is involved when taking a skin biopsy?

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What is involved when taking a skin biopsy?

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• The patient will be examined thoroughly to ensure that the animal is healthy and to identify the best skin area from which to take the biopsy. Multiple skin biopsies are taken (at least 3) to make sure that we have the best chance of identifying what the problem is.
• Sedation is usually given to make the patient calm and sleepy. In some cases where the patient is very difficult to handle or when the skin is very sensitive such as around the face and feet, a general anesthetic will be given to make the animal unconscious (as if asleep) and pain free.
• Local anesthetic is used to numb the area of skin so that the patient has no feeling when taking the sample of skin.
• Once completed the skin will be closed with sutures or staples and the patient will be able to go home after a couple of hours.

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• If provided give medications such as antibiotics and painkillers as directed by your vet.
• Keep the wound(s) dry for 2-4 days after the procedure. Avoid swimming until stitches are removed
• Arrange a follow-up consultation to have the stitches or staples removed in 10-14 days.
• If there are any problems such as excessive bleeding or other concerns please contact the veterinary practice for advice.

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Removal of a skin lump

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Diseased skin is removed using one of the following techniques:
• Skin punch  - a small circular cutting blade of varying diameter that cuts through the abnormal skin layer.

• Minor surgery – a section of abnormal skin is cut using a scalpel blade in the shape shape of an egg or a rugby ball. This technique is usually used to remove larger diseased skin areas.

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Skin stitches and closed biopsy wound.

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Wound is closed with stitches.

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Skin biopsy cut and removed.

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Skin cut with a punch biopsy.

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Select the area to be biopsied.

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Skin biopsies are generally done:
• When diseased skin does not look normal or is gradually getting worse over time.
• When there are lumps, bumps or areas of skin that are not healing such as tumors.
• When a treatment has not worked.
• To check what the problem is.
• To ensure that it is not something else.

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A skin biopsy is a common surgical technique performed on pets with diseased skin. It provides insight to the cellular make-up of abnormal areas of skin and or skin growths so that we identify what problems may exist.