Indications, Landmarks, and Procedures for Collection of Spinal Fluid, Liver Biopsy, Transtracheal Aspiration Biopsy and Abdominal Paracentesis

Abstract

While a thorough history and physical examination remain the foundation of clinical diagnosis, there are times when additional procedures are indicated for establishment of the diagnosis, differentiation of similar conditions/ diseases or prognosis of an established diagnosis. Many of these procedures are not done routinely and thus, the veterinarian may be unsure of the technique. The purpose of this paper is to review the indications, landmarks and procedural techniques used to perform cerebrospinal fluid collection, percutaneous liver biopsy, transtracheal aspiration biopsy (tracheal wash) and abdominal paracentesis in cattle.