Canine Renal Biopsy

For a renal biopsy to be successful in canine breeds, care must be exercised when handling and fixing renal tissue to prevent artifactual changes. It is important to consult the histopathology laboratory before performing the biopsy to ensure that appropriate fixatives are used.

When possible, immunofluorescent or immunohistochemical techniques and electron microscopy should be used to maximize the information gained from the biopsy specimen. Communication with the laboratory pathologist prior to canine renal biopsy will help determine which fixatives should be used and will maximize the utility of the biopsy sample.