MIKE HARDCASTLE
We commonly receive large mammary gland biopsies or mammary strips from dogs with a history suggesting that the samples contain one or more masses. This region of the canine anatomy unfortunately seems prone to contraction during formalin fixation.
The contraction of the biopsy or strip makes the entire tissue firm and can prevent palpation and identification of masses, even when a good clinical description has been provided.
To maximise the chance of identifying these lesions for histology, please apply a suture tag or tissue marking ink to the skin overlying each palpable mammary mass. Tissue marking ink is available through Gribbles Veterinary, and can also be used to identify margins of interest before submission.
Photo right: A fixed, contracted and warped mammary strip with no palpable masses.