At Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital (CTVSEH), we offer advanced diagnostic techniques to help determine the cause of your pet’s health issues quickly and accurately. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and biopsy are two essential minimally invasive procedures used to collect tissue or cell samples for diagnostic evaluation.
What is Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA)?
Fine-needle aspiration is a safe, minimally invasive procedure where a thin needle is used to collect cells from a lump, mass, or organ. This technique allows our veterinary specialists to examine the cells under a microscope to identify infections, inflammation, or cancer without the need for surgery.
What is a Biopsy?
A biopsy involves collecting a small tissue sample from a suspicious area, which can be processed and examined by a pathologist for a definitive diagnosis. Unlike FNA, biopsies typically provide more detailed information about tissue architecture, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Why Are These Procedures Important?
- Early and accurate diagnosis: Detect infections, cancers, and inflammatory conditions quickly.
- Minimally invasive: Less stress and discomfort for your pet compared to surgery.
- Guides treatment: Helps our specialists tailor the best treatment plan for your pet’s specific condition.
How Are These Procedures Performed at CTVSEH?
Our experienced team uses sedation or anesthesia when necessary to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Using ultrasound or other imaging guidance, we precisely target the area of concern to collect samples efficiently.
Aftercare and Results
Most pets recover quickly after FNA or biopsy procedures. Sample analysis is performed by board-certified veterinary pathologists, and results are typically available within a few days. Our specialists will discuss the findings with you and recommend the next steps in your pet’s care.
For expert veterinary diagnostic services including fine-needle aspiration and biopsy, trust Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital to provide compassionate and comprehensive care for your pet. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
