Our Summary

This research paper is about a study done on dogs with suspected liver disease. The dogs underwent a procedure called a percutaneous ultrasound guided liver biopsy, which is a way to take a small sample of the liver to test it for disease. One concern with this procedure is that it can cause bleeding or other complications.

The researchers looked at medical records for 102 dogs that had this biopsy. They defined serious bleeding as a significant drop in the percentage of red blood cells in the dog’s blood (PCV) after the biopsy. Other complications were defined as any issue that required further medical intervention or resulted in death.

They found that most dogs had only mild problems with blood clotting before the biopsy. After the biopsy, 85.3% of the dogs had a decrease in their PCV and 42.2% had serious bleeding. However, only 1.9% had complications that required further treatment.

The researchers also looked at various factors to see if they could predict which dogs would have serious bleeding or complications. These included the dog’s PCV before the biopsy, how well their blood clotted, the level of liver enzymes and bilirubin (a substance made by the liver) in their blood, how many biopsies were taken, the size of the biopsy needle, the amount of experience the radiologist had, the dog’s diagnosis, and factors related to the ultrasound. They found no correlation between these factors and the likelihood of serious bleeding or complications.

In conclusion, while this type of liver biopsy in dogs can often cause serious bleeding, it rarely results in complications that require further treatment.

FAQs

  1. What is the primary concern after liver biopsy in dogs?
  2. What factors were examined for their potential correlation with hemorrhage or complications after liver biopsy in dogs?
  3. What was the incidence of major hemorrhage and complications after percutaneous ultrasound guided liver biopsy in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about liver biopsy is to make sure to inform the healthcare provider of any medications or supplements being taken, as certain medications may need to be adjusted or stopped before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. Additionally, it is important to follow post-procedure instructions carefully, such as avoiding strenuous activity and monitoring for any signs of complications such as excessive bleeding or infection.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for a liver biopsy include those with suspected hepatobiliary disease, abnormal liver function tests, unexplained jaundice, suspected liver tumors, liver inflammation, or liver fibrosis. Additionally, patients with suspected liver disease who have not responded to treatment or require a definitive diagnosis may also be recommended for a liver biopsy.

Timeline

Before liver biopsy:

  • Patient presents with suspected hepatobiliary disease
  • Medical records are reviewed
  • Coagulation variables are assessed
  • Ultrasound guided liver biopsy is scheduled

After liver biopsy:

  • Decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) occurs in majority of dogs
  • Major hemorrhage occurs in 42.2% of dogs
  • Complications occur in 1.9% of dogs
  • No correlation found between hemorrhage or complications and various risk factors examined
  • Percutaneous ultrasound guided liver biopsy in dogs with normal or mild coagulation abnormalities results in a high incidence of major hemorrhage but few complications

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the liver biopsy and what information will it provide?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the liver biopsy procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
  4. Will I need to make any special preparations before the biopsy?
  5. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy?
  6. What follow-up care or monitoring will be needed after the biopsy?
  7. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch for after the biopsy that may indicate a complication?
  8. How experienced is the radiologist performing the biopsy?
  9. Are there any factors that may increase my risk of hemorrhage or complications during the biopsy?
  10. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a liver biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Reece J, Pavlick M, Penninck DG, Webster CRL. Journal: J Vet Intern Med. 2020 Nov;34(6):2398-2404. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15942. Epub 2020 Oct 30. PMID: 33125175