Page 5 - Terminology-Procedures

PennHIP: A method, established in 1993, of evaluating hip S
dysplasia in dogs by calculating hip laxity; within-breed ratings
are provided, permitting breeders to select dogs with the best
(smallest laxity) hips for breeding future generations. Schirmer tear test: The Schirmer tear test can help determine
if low tear production is the underlying cause or a contributing
Pericardiocentesis: Is the insertion of a needle or catheter into the factor. Low tear production can cause significant eye inflammation
pericardial sac. The sac that surrounds the heart and the bases of and chronic eye problems.
the great blood vessels.
Serology: In vitro measurement of antibody-antigen reactions.
Phenobarbital blood test (level): Administering the proper dose Common examples in dermatology include ELISA testing and
of phenobarbital is key in treating seizure disorders in dogs; the RAST.
blood level must be monitored carefully to determine the amount
of medication that is in the blood. Skin scraping: Is a commonly performed test that can help
diagnose certain skin inflammations, fungal infections, and skin
Polymerase chain reaction assays: A highly sensitive diagnostic cancer and is quite effective in determining the presence of mites.
technique which enables the detection of very small amounts
of specific DNA (or RNA) sequences. The technique involves Slide agglutination: Is a blood test used to screen for immune
recognition and replication (or amplification) of a target sequence disease, particularly immune mediated hemolytic anemia. This
which is specific to the test organism. PCR tests are most commonly immune disease causes the immune system to attack and destroy
used to identify micro-organisms which are difficult to isolate or red blood cells.
culture (e.g. viruses, Mycobacteria, ERLICHIA,) but may also
be used to identify specific genetic conditions, or malignancies.
Sampled tissues may include, for example, blood, swabs, or faeces T
depending on the suspected disease process.

Potassium bromide level: Potassium bromide is a drug used Thoracocentesis: Is a procedure done to remove fluid or excess air
to control seizures. Administering the proper dose to reduce the from the chest cavity. Fluid is analyzed to determine the underlying
incidence of seizures without overdosing is key. To determine the cause. Air is most often associated with traumatic injury.
proper dose, potassium bromide blood levels must be monitored.
Thyroid test: Is a blood test to evaluate the function of the thyroid
Prothrombin time: Is a blood test used to determine if the pet has gland, which produces thyroid hormone, an important hormone in
a bleeding disorder. This test is often performed in conjunction the regulation and maintenance of body functions.
with the partial thromboplastin time.
Tonometry: Is the measurement of pressure within the eye (called
R intraocular pressure) to determine if glaucoma is present.

Transtracheal aspiration (TTA): Also called a transtracheal
wash (TTW), is the insertion of a catheter into the trachea and
RAST: A diagnostic blood test which measures the amount of lower airway to collect samples from the lower airway.
allergen-specific IgE present. The test surface contains the test
allergen and is incubated with the animal’s serum sample. If Trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) test: Gives information
specific IgE is present it binds to the allergen. A radio-labelled about the state of pancreatic function and the severity small
secondary antibody solution is added which binds to any specific intestine disease. An elevated TLI indicates (but is not diagnostic
IgE, if present. The amount of radioactive iodine marker (and for) either or both pancreatitis and chronic small intestine disease.
therefore allergen specific IgE) can then be measured. A decreased TLI indicates Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
sometimes seen in dogs, especially German Shepherds.
Reticulocyte count: Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells
that circulate in high numbers when the body is responding to U
anemia. This test can help determine possible causes of the anemia
and help give a prognosis for recovery.
Urinalysis: Is a laboratory test that evaluates urine. A urinalysis
Robert Jones Bandage: The Robert Jones bandage is probably usually consists of three parts which includes looking at the
the most common form of external splint applied to a limb for the physical sample, a dipstick analysis and looking at the sediment
temporary support of a fracture. It is a temporary bandage that is under a microscope.
appropriate for trauma below the stifle (knee) or below the elbow.

TERMINOLOGY. VETERINARY TESTS & PROCEDURES 5