Bone Marrow Aspirates and Core Biopsies

In pets with persistent abnormalities in their blood system, it may be necessary to obtain a sample of the bone marrow to evaluate. A bone marrow aspirate involves collected a sample of the liquid center of the bone. A core biopsy involves removing a small pencil lead sized sample of the bone marrow and core. Both of these procedures require a brief period of general anesthesia. Samples are submitted to a pathologist for review.

Ancillary testing that may be recommended with bone marrow aspirates and core biopsies:

1. Immunoflourescent antibody testing. For certain infectious diseases
2. Polymerase chain reaction. For certain types of cancer
3. Immunohistochemistry. For certain types of cancer.