bovis - Articles
Liver biopsy
Synonym(s): tissue sample hepatic
Introduction
- Copper status is best assessed using liver tissue analysis.
- Liver pathology is relatively common in cattle, in particular nutritional etiologies.
- Clinical examination allows only limited assessment of the liver.
- Blood liver enzymes are valuable, but require a substantial amount of liver damage before a rise will be seen.
- Liver biopsy and ultrasonography offer the potential means to establish an early and definite diagnosis.
Uses
- Trace element monitoring on a herd level, in particular copper status Nutrition: copper but also selenium Selenium and vitamin E and cobalt Nutrition: cobalt and vitamin B12.
- Diagnosis of liver disease, such as fatty liver infiltration (hepatic lipidosis), photosensitization Photosensitization, fibrosis, neoplasia, and abscessation (eg secondary to rumen acidosis Ruminal acidosis).
Advantages
- Simple technique.
- Can be done in the standing animal on farm.
- Minimal risk of complications.
Disadvantages
- Small size of sample may make laboratory analysis challenging.
- Focal disease may be missed. Ultrasound guidance is useful in such cases.
Technical problems
- No sample obtained. For trace element monitoring, have a couple of spare animals on stand-by.
Alternative techniques
- For trace element monitoring: liver tissue collected from cull animals at abattoir.
Time required
Preparation
- Local anesthetic: 10 min Local anesthesia: overview.
- Aseptic preparation: 5 – 10 min.
Procedure
- 10 min.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing procedure
- Routine herd monitoring for trace elements (copper, selenium, cobalt). 5 animals are sampled Nutrition: copper Selenium and vitamin E Nutrition: cobalt and vitamin B12.
- History and clinical signs suggestive of liver disease.
Risk assessment
- Consider establishing clotting ability in valuable animals (a blood sample drawn into a plain vacutainer should clot within 5 minutes).
Requirements
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Preparation
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Technique
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Aftercare
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Outcomes
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.