Class Assignment:
List 5-10 supplies needed for each of the following:
1. Fine Needle Aspirate
2. Bone Marrow Aspirate
3. Abdominocentesis
4. Thoracocentesis
5. Punch Biopsy
6. Tru-cut Biopsy
7. Wedge Biopsy
List 3 abnormal cell types identified in the any of the cytology slides in the lecture.
Weekly Discussion:
Discuss an experience you have had with a specific biopsy or centesis case. What was the cause of the procedure and outcome from the treatment?
I've assisted in many, many cases it's hard for me to pick just one.
I guess the one that stands out the most, was this sweet old pitty who's owner couldn't afford much in the way of treatment. To buy time, my Dr allowed us to "drain him" whenever he came in. He originally presented with weight loss and quickly became distended in the abdomen which led to, first monthly, then weekly abdominocentesis. The poor young (maybe around 4 yrs old) began losing his appetite and comine in more than once a week after about two months. Since the owner was poor, my Dr did the best she could, all while assuming it was cancer so treating as best as DVM could do with limited resources. The dog was humanly euthanized with it being in his best interest.
Each time we would perform an abdominocentesis, we would collect about 300-500ml. It took a long time of holding him still, while sitting on the floor, drawing out 60ml at a time. My hands hurt on a number of occasions, when it was super difficult to draw the syringe back. Poor pup. He was such a good boy throughout the whole thing.
Sounds like your Dr. was trying to the best they could. Was there any definitive diagnosis postmortem or prior to? Or was it just assumed cancer?
@psnowRVT sadly, due to expenses, the owner could not provide any testing opportunity. The Dr just assumed cancer by the presentation and nature of the
Biopsy are done a lot in my hospital but I remember one we did recently on a beautiful lab named Stella. Stella had a small tissue sarcoma mass on the dorsal lumbar area. Stella was totally unbothered and was really good sport about it. The owner really loved her Stella so she okayed the estimate I presented to her. Dr recommended a fine needle aspirate cytology. The next day the results came in and was consistent with a mesenchymal tumor. Right away the owner wanted that out and the following day the tumor was removed with wide surgical excision.
Those mesenchymal tumors can be fairly common. Was there any case of relapse or prior masses post surgery?
And she did well, happily ever after?! I love owners who care that much for their pets.