Oral Biopsies
 

 

What it is:
An oral biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small tissue sample is taken from an abnormal area in your pet’s mouth for microscopic examination. It helps determine what type of cells are present, whether an area is benign or malignant, and what treatment may be needed.

​​

Why a pet might need it:
If you or your pet's primary veterinarian notices a swelling, growth, ulcer, or non-healing sore in your pet’s mouth, an oral biopsy can help identify the cause. Some growths may be harmless, while others could indicate infection, inflammation, or cancer. Diagnosing the issue early is key to effective treatment and better outcomes.

​

How it works:
Biopsies are performed while your pet is under general anesthesia. We provide various options for your pet, such as debulking to reduce the size of a growth or small excision biopsies to remove a small section of the area to be able to test. Our doctor will remove a small sample of the affected tissue and send it to a veterinary pathologist for analysis. Once the results return, your veterinarian will discuss what they mean and recommend any necessary treatment, which could include medication, surgery, or ongoing monitoring.