Hepatic aspiration and biopsy techniques.

Hepatic biopsy can be a key part of the diagnostic plan in dogs or cats with liver disease. There are a wide variety of techniques for the clinician to choose from based on the patient's condition, liver size, equipment available, experience of the operator, and financial considerations. Although major complications are rare, the clinician should not attempt a biopsy procedure without being prepared to diagnose and treat complications appropriately if they occur. Many techniques for hepatic biopsy are easy to learn and to perform and should be a part of small animal practice at every level.