Comparison of two minimally invasive techniques for liver biopsy collection in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: High-quality biopsy is an essential factor for the successful diagnosis of canine liver disease. The aim of this study was to compare various aspects of biopsies obtained by two different techniques: pretied ligating loop and cup biopsy forceps.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen client-owned dogs underwent laparoscopic liver biopsies for diagnosis of liver disease. Biopsies were obtained from the same liver lobe using a pre-tied ligating loop and cup biopsy forceps. Biopsy weight, volume, histological value and surgical time were compared between the two techniques. Surgical complications were recorded.

RESULTS: Samples obtained with the pre-tied ligating loop were significantly heavier and larger in volume than those obtained with cup biopsy forceps. Samples obtained with the ligating loop contained significantly more portal tracts and less crush and fragmentation artefacts. The time required to obtain a liver biopsy with the pre-tied ligating loop was approximately double that of the cup biopsy forceps technique.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a pre-tied ligating loop is a good alternative to the cup biopsy forceps technique when acquiring laparoscopic liver biopsies in dogs.