The most common test involving the bone marrow in dogs is a bone marrow biopsy. A biopsy is helpful to confirm or rule out certain medical conditions, therefore it is a test that veterinarians resort to in order to come to a diagnosis.
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Identification
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The bone marrow is the soft material that is commonly found in the cavity of long bones such as the femur, radius and ulna, or in smaller bones, such as the ribs and pelvis. Its main function is to produce platelets and red and white blood cells.
Significance
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A bone marrow biopsy can reveal bone marrow abnormalities. Malignant cells may be detected suggesting cancer, or the production of immature red and white blood cells may suggest a bone marrow disorder.
Features
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During a bone marrow biopsy, a large biopsy needle is inserted into the dog's bone until it reaches the bone marrow. The marrow is extracted and then placed onto a slide ready to be sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
Considerations
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The procedure can be quite painful and requires the dog's collaboration, therefore a bone marrow biopsy is generally performed under sedation and with the use of a local or general anesthetic. Most commonly, the procedure lasts about half an hour.
Types
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Blood tests may be helpful in detecting bone marrow abnormalities. Complete blood counts, platelet counts and reticulocyte counts may provide a good assessment of the bone marrow' s capability to produce red and white blood cells and platelets.
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