Get a second opinion if first results for dog biopsy inconclusive?

We received an inconclusive result for a biopsy on our 11 year old St. Bernard/ shepherd dog mix. Do we take her in for a second opinion ? She has a huge wound from the incision, and don't want her to be put through anything more, but seems to me like they didn't get enough of a sample, or didn't quite know what they were doing. What would you do if this were your dog?

  • Vetinfo

    By: Rebecca Osterfund El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    What type of biopsy did your veterinarian perform? There are 3 main types of biopsies:needle, incisional and excisional. Needle biopsies are performed by inserting a large-bore needle into the tumor. An incisional biopsy is where a small piece of tissue is removed from the mass using a scalpel blade or punch biopsy tool, and can often be performed under local anesthesia or sedation.An excisional biopsy is where the whole mass is attempted to be removed while the pet is under general anesthesia. Needle biopsies tend to be the least inconclusive but the least invasive, while excisional biopsies tend to be the most conclusive but the most invasive. If a sample was submitted and was found to be inconclusive, you can ask for the same sample to be analyzed again by a different pathologist at the diagnostic laboratory. If the biopsy was performed one way you way request for an additional biopsy to be done a different way. Ultimately you have to do what's best for you and your pet. Also, you have to decide what you will do with the biopsy information. If the result came back as malignant cancer, would you be willing to pursue additional surgeries and possibly chemotherapy for your pet? If your answer is no, you may not want to have your pet tested again for it will not change the outcome. Getting a second opinion from a different veterinarian is always a viable option.

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