Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of the right kidney in cattle

The purpose of the present study was to develop a technique for biopsy of the kidneys of cattle and to evaluate its usefulness and safety based on 25 consecutive biopsies. Using a handheld 14G spinal biopsy needle, the right kidney was biopsied under ultrasound control by one operator. To assess the immediate effects of renal biopsy, twenty cattle were necropsied shortly after the procedure and examined. The remaining five animals were biopsied and examined daily for nine days and then necropsied. One pass was made for biopsy of the right kidney. No immediate or delayed macroscopic hematuria was observed post-biopsy. Six animals had a thin subcapsular hematoma (less than 2 cm in diameter). We conclude that percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsy of the right kidney is safe, fast, cost-effective and practical as long as it is performed properly.