Percutaneous lung biopsy in cattle

Objective-To determine safety of lung biopsy in healthy cattle and compare 3 biopsy instruments for suitability of use. Design-Prospective study. Animals-60 healthy cows. Procedure-Bilateral lung biopsy through the ninth intercostal space was att empted in all cows. The procedure was performed with cows standing and rest rained by an assistant. To study the short-term effects of lung biopsy. 50 cows were slaughtered 1 day after the procedure and examined. To study the long-term effects of lung biopsy, the remaining 10 cows were examined daily for 10 days and then slaughtered. Three biopsy instruments-the Autovac bio psy canula, the Tru-Cut needle, and the Bard Biopty-System-were evaluated. Results-2 cows collapsed momentarily during the procedure but recovered qui ckly. The remaining cows did not develop adverse effects, and general attit ude and condition were not affected. Postmortem examination of the 50 cows slaughtered 1 day after the procedure revealed lesions less than or equal t o 5.0 mm long and with a surface area less than or equal to 4.0 mm(2) at 10 8 of 154 (71%) biopsy sites involving the pulmonary pleura. Biopsy specimen s were obtained during 48 of 50 (96%) procedures in which the Tru-Cut needl e was used, during 38 of 39 (97%) procedures in which the Bard Biopty-Syste m was used, and during only 1 of 11 biopsy procedures in which the Autovac canula was used. at postmortem examination of the 10 cows slaughtered 10 da ys after the procedure, lesions were seen as small scars; adhesions were no t observed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Percutaneous lung biopsy is a safe proce dure in healthy cows.