My dog's abdominal mass: What's next after inconclusive biopsy?

Question

Could you please let me know what you think could be in the X-rays? We did a biopsy and I have also attached the report. Please say if you feel it could be removed as well. What would be your next step? Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 6 years and 6 months old | 20 lbs

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

The biopsy results are inconclusive, as they were unable to definitively diagnose what the mass is. This is often the case with bleeding masses in the abdomen - biopsies are often non-diagnostic, due to the fact that there is so much associated hemorrhage, which it looks like is basically all they were able to tell on the biopsy. It's likely that the only way an accurate diagnosis will be achieved is by doing an exploratory surgery of the abdomen. At that time, the mass can be visualized and completely removed (also typically the spleen as well). I recommend x-rays of the chest before this is attempted, as this is the most common site of metastasis. If there is disease in the lungs the prognosis is significantly worse, and this would likely factor into your decision to do the surgery or not.

My dog's abdominal mass: What's next after inconclusive biopsy?

Most Helpful Answer

Share