ULTRASOUND LOCALIZATION AND GUIDANCE FOR RENAL BIOPSY IN THE HORSE

Real-time ultrasonography was used to assist percutaneous renal biopsies in seven normal horses. Ultrasound (US) guidance and blind biopsy following US localization were compared. Ten biopsies (seven right kidney and three left kidney) were performed. A transverse approach to the lateral border of the right kidney through the 17th intercostal space was favored, with the needle angle being approximately perpendicular to the body wall. Both biopsy techniques were effective, but blind biopsy following US localization was favored as it was easily performed by one operator without the need for specialized biopsy equipment. The spleen had a variable location and its penetration with the biopsy needle was necessary to obtain two left kidney biopsies. Macroscopic and microscopic hematuria was observed postbiopsy in one and four horses, respectively, out of six horses examined. Perirenal hemorrhage was a prominent finding on necropsy in five of six horses euthanized.