How much does a dog biopsy cost?
How much does a dog biopsy cost?
$300 – $900 cost for punch biopsy
$1,000 – $2,500 cost for surgical / invasive biopsy
Average dog biopsy cost
The cost of a biopsy for a dog depends on the biopsy method and the part of the body being tested. A punch biopsy costs $300 to $900 and is used to diagnose tissue near the surface layer of the skin. More invasive biopsies cost $1,000 to $2,500+, and these procedures often require sedation with anesthesia.
| Biopsy type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Punch biopsy | $300 – $900 |
| Excisional biopsy | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Incisional / wedge biopsy | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Bone marrow biopsy | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Fine needle aspiration (FNA) | $50 – $200 |
*Not including vet exam fees
Punch biopsy
A punch biopsy costs $300 to $900 on average. This minimally invasive procedure involves removing a small, circular section of tissue using a specialized instrument. Punch biopsies are most common for skin lesions, masses, or suspicious areas on your dog's surface.
Excisional biopsy
An excisional biopsy costs $1,000 to $2,500 and involves completely removing the entire mass or lesion along with some surrounding healthy tissue. It serves both diagnostic and treatment purposes, as it can eliminate the problem while providing tissue for analysis.
Excisional biopsies are the preferred method for smaller masses that can be safely removed in their entirety. The procedure requires surgical expertise and anesthesia, with recovery time varying based on the location and size of the removed tissue.
Incisional / wedge biopsy
An incisional or wedge biopsy costs $1,000 to $2,500 and is performed when the entire mass is too large to remove safely or when preserving surrounding tissue is important. The veterinarian makes a small incision and removes a representative sample of the abnormal tissue. This biopsy type requires surgical skills and often needs sedation or general anesthesia.
Bone marrow biopsy
A bone marrow biopsy costs $1,000 to $2,500 and examines the blood-producing tissue inside your dog's bones. This procedure is recommended when blood tests suggest problems with blood cell production or when certain cancers are suspected.
During a bone marrow biopsy, the veterinarian inserts a special needle into the bone, often in the hip area, to extract a small sample of marrow. Due to the invasive nature and discomfort involved, dogs require general anesthesia or heavy sedation for this procedure.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
Fine needle aspiration costs $50 to $200 and uses a thin needle to extract cells or fluid from a mass, lymph node, or organ. The veterinarian inserts the needle into the target area and draws back on the syringe to collect cellular material. This procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and can often be performed without sedation.
A fine needle aspiration is cheaper than other biopsy methods, but the results are more likely to be inconclusive.
What is a dog biopsy?
A dog biopsy is a medical procedure that involves collecting a small sample of tissue, cells, or fluid from your pet's body for microscopic examination. A veterinary pathologist analyzes the collected sample to identify abnormal cells, determine the nature of a mass or lesion, and provide crucial information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Biopsies provide definitive answers about suspicious growths, lumps, skin conditions, organ abnormalities, and other health concerns. The microscopic analysis can distinguish between benign and malignant (cancerous) conditions and help veterinarians develop appropriate treatment strategies for your dog.
What affects the cost of a biopsy for a dog?
Several factors influence how much you'll pay for a biopsy for a dog:
Biopsy type: Simple procedures like fine needle aspirations cost significantly less than surgical biopsies requiring anesthesia and specialized equipment.
Area being biopsied: Surface-level biopsies cost less than deep tissue or organ biopsies that require anesthesia, advanced surgical skills, and longer procedure times. Internal procedures often need additional imaging guidance, increasing the overall cost.
Sedation / anesthesia: Procedures requiring general anesthesia add substantial costs for anesthetic drugs, monitoring equipment, and extended veterinary supervision. Light sedation costs less than full anesthesia, while some simple biopsies can be performed with only local numbing agents.
Veterinary provider: General practice veterinarians charge less than veterinary specialists or surgical centers. However, complex cases may require referral to specialists, increasing costs but ensuring appropriate expertise.
Pathology fee: Laboratory fees for processing and analyzing the biopsy samples add to the total cost, and some specialized tests or rush processing may incur additional charges. Be sure to ask your vet if the pathology fee is included in the biopsy cost.
Dog biopsy FAQs
How long does a dog biopsy take?
The duration of a dog biopsy varies based on the procedure type and complexity. Fine needle aspirations take only a few minutes to complete, while punch biopsies require 15 to 30 minutes including preparation and wound closure. More complex surgical biopsies can take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location and size of the tissue being sampled.
How long does it take to get dog biopsy results?
Biopsy results are available within 3 to 7 business days for routine cases, though some laboratories offer expedited processing for urgent situations. Complex cases requiring special stains or additional testing may take 7 to 14 days for complete results. Fine needle aspiration results are often available more quickly, sometimes within 1 to 3 days, as they require less processing time.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
Ask your veterinarian these questions to ensure you understand the reason for the biopsy, the procedure, and the recovery process:
What specific condition or concern makes this biopsy necessary for my dog?
Which type of biopsy do you recommend, and why is it the best option?
What are the risks and potential complications associated with this procedure?
Will my dog need anesthesia or sedation, and what are the associated risks?
How should I prepare my dog before the biopsy appointment?
What is the total estimated cost, including all fees and laboratory charges?
How long will the procedure take?
What post-procedure care will my dog need during recovery?
When will the results be available, and how will you communicate them to me?
What are the possible outcomes and next steps based on potential results?
Are there any alternative diagnostic methods we should consider first?
Should I restrict my dog's activity before or after the procedure?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.