Multiple biopsies are best. There is no additional charge for submitting up to 5 samples because these are often helpful. Rotate punch in one direction to avoid shearing artifacts. Biopsy a range of active and chronic lesions. If secondary pyoderma has developed, control this first medically before sampling.
Biopsies dry out quickly under surgery lights.
Include a margin of normal skin with lesions, but not so much that little of the lesion is represented. Do not scrub the biopsy site. If serocellular crusts are present, include them with the biopsy in formalin. Include air-dried skin scrapings on a slide to permit assessment of surface bacteria and other organisms. Please submit photographs of lesions if you think they may be helpful.