Very Common
Less Common
Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Liver Biopsy
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
A small sample is taken of the liver using a special biopsy needle. The needle is usually passed through the left or right body wall, in particular locations. The correct location is usually determined using ultrasound. In some cases, the needle is visualized real-time with the ultrasound as it enters the liver tissue.
The sample is placed in a preservative (formaldehyde) and shipped to a laboratory. Tiny slices of the sample are prepared and visualized by a pathologist. The structure of the tissue and cell types are determined. A report is generated which is interpreted by the veterinarian in light of the other case details.
The sample is placed in a preservative (formaldehyde) and shipped to a laboratory. Tiny slices of the sample are prepared and visualized by a pathologist. The structure of the tissue and cell types are determined. A report is generated which is interpreted by the veterinarian in light of the other case details.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Very Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
BENEFITS
The only way to get truly definitive information about a specific disease process, at the tissue and cellular level.Generally, a relatively safe and straightforward procedure with great diagnostic value.
LIMITATIONS
Time delay of days before the sample is interpreted by a pathologist and the report received by the attending veterinarian.
As with disease of any organ, the diseased areas may be focal and the sample taken does not contain the disease.
