Pet Skin Biopsies

Skin Biopsies

With the use of this treatment, we may see things that are happening to the skin that is not visible to the naked eye. For the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders, vascular alterations, neoplasia, and in rare circumstances, deep bacterial or fungal infections, a skin biopsy may be necessary.

Depending on where the skin biopsy will be performed, your pet may need to be put to sleep for this treatment. To sample the skin, a topical anesthetic is given first. A pathologist who has dermatology expertise is then given the small tissue samples to review. At the location of the biopsy, sutures are inserted; these must be removed after 10–14 days. Results of biopsies often take two weeks to come back.