Skin Biopsies

Skin biopsies are an important diagnostic tool for dermatologists, and are recommended in a variety of situations. A skin biopsy may be performed to simply remove a skin lesion such as a mass, to collect a tissue sample for deep tissue culture, or they may be required to make an accurate diagnosis when there are changes to the skin, hair, or nails.

Skin biopsy procedures involves taking tissue samples, preserving them in formalin (formaldehyde) and sending them to a dermatohistopathologist for interpretation. In general, it takes about 2-3 weeks to get the results back. The results will be used to develop a treatment plan to specifically address the finding.

Your pet will be sedated for the procedure and will likely be subdued and sleepy for the remainder of the day and should be closely supervised.

In general, the biopsy site does not require special attention other than being kept clean. The sites are typically not painful to the touch, even the day of the procedure, so please notify our clinic if you pet appears to be experiencing pain or if the area becomes red and inflamed. Sutures will need to be removed in 10-14 days. This can be performed at our clinic or by your primary veterinarian.