Abstract
Ultrasound-guided biopsy using endoscopic biopsy forceps was attempted in 10 dogs with urinary-bladder tumors. The forceps used were 1.8mm wide and mounted in an 8 French catheter. Before forceps insertion, generally local anesthetic was infused into the urethra, although in some cases the dog was sedatcd. The diameter of the urinary-bladder cavity was maintained between 2 and 3 cm under ultrasonographic guidance by either urine removal or infusion of a saline. Opening and closing the forceps proved to be strongly echogenic, permitting easy grasping and removal of target tissues. In all cases, tissue specimens obtained were 2mm long. Histological examination of the mucosal epithelium and part of the sub-mucosal tissue made it possible to diagnose transitional cell carcinoma in 9 dogs and fibrosarcoma in one dog. Sample volumes were sufficient for pathological diagnosis. The technique proved appricable to diagnosis of mucosal lesions of the urinary bladder.
