Gastrointestinal biopsies from the pathologist's point of view

Abstract

Both full-thickness and endoscopic biopsies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may be presented to the pathologist for the diagnosis of GI disease. This article discusses the role of gastrointestinal biopsies in the diagnosis of alimentary tract disease, as well as highlighting certain conditions that may be missed by endoscopic biopsies as opposed to surgical (fullthickness) biopsies. It outlines the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines used by pathologists to assess inflammatory diseases present, discussing some of the key points of these guidelines and also some of their pitfalls.