Because only a few cells are obtained, it is possible that a representative sample from the liver will not be obtained. Some diseases can be diagnosed with this technique, and others cannot. This procedure is similar to the fine-needle aspirate except a much larger needle is used. This needle is able to recover a core of tissue, not just a few cells. The sample is fixed in formaldehyde and submitted to a pathologist for analysis.
General anesthesia is required, but the cat is anesthetized for only a very short period of time.
If it is done properly and with a little luck, this procedure will recover a very meaningful sample. The veterinarian cannot choose the exact site of the liver to biopsy because the liver is not visible. It is still possible to miss the abnormal tissue. Surgical wedge biopsy. The cat is placed under general anesthesia, and the abdomen is opened surgically.