Page 10 - Terminology-Procedures

R Transtracheal wash (TTW): Is a procedure in which a fluid

sample from the trachea is obtained. The procedure usually
involves sedating the pet, clipping and scrubbing an area on the
Radiograph: Is an X-ray. neck, and placing a sterile catheter into the neck. The catheter is
then passed into the trachea and the fluid obtained.
Reticulocyte count (retic count): Is a blood test done to check for
regeneration of red blood cells in anemic pets. If the bone marrow TSH stimulation test: Consists of a blood sample to determine
is responding to the anemia and rapidly regenerating replacement the thyroid level (T4) followed by the injection of a hormone to
red blood cells, the reticulocyte count will be elevated. stimulate thyroid production. A blood sample is collected about 6
hours later for analysis.
Rose Bengal: Is a type of stain used on the eye to detect surface
defects, ulcers and erosions. It is particularly helpful in detecting
dendritic ulcers associated with herpesvirus infections. U

S Urinalysis: Is a laboratory test of urine. The test can evaluate
the urine for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells,
abnormal amounts of glucose, ketones and protein. It can also
Schirmer tear test (STT, test for ‘dry eye’): Helps determine determine the urine concentration.
if low tear production (“dry eye”) is to blame for inflammation.
A small strip of calibrated filter paper is placed inside the lower
eyelid and left in place for approximately 1 minute. The height to V
which tears “climb” this test paper is a measure of the volume of
tears produced.
Vaginoscopy: Allows for the evaluation of the vulva and vagina
Serology: Is the testing of antigen-antibody reactions in vitro. It is by introducing a scope through the external genitalia directly into
performed to check on several different diseases, including herpes, the vagina to examine tumors, inflammation, etc.
toxoplasmosis, etc.
Viral screen: A diagnostic test that is prescribed by the vet the
Serum biochemistry profile: Is a blood test that evaluates 15 to kitten is exposed to other cats, goes outdoors frequently or you
25 enzyme levels to determine general health or the presence of have several cats in your house. The diseases that are diagnosed
disease. through this test include FeLV, FIV and FIP.

Skin scraping: Is done by gently scraping a bit of skin using a
small scalpel to determine the cause of irritation. This test is most
often performed to detect the presence of mites.

Slide agglutination: Is a test that involves taking a blood
sample from the pet. A drop of blood is placed on a glass slide
to determine if it agglutinates. Positive results are suggestive of
immune mediated hemolytic anemia. In cats, slide agglutinate may
also indicate underlying diseases such as feline leukemia virus,
hemobartonella infection or lymphoma.

Slit-lamp biomicroscopy: Is a test that provides a magnified view
of the surface and front chamber of the eye.

Stone analysis (urolith analysis): Is used to evaluate a stone
removed from the urinary tract for mineral content.

T

Thoracentesis (chest tap): Is a procedure that consists of inserting
a small needle into the chest cavity to determine if fluid is present
and if so, what type. It can also therapeutically remove the fluid.

10 Alphavetscience.com