Page 6 - Terminology-Procedures

Urine culture (UC): Is done by getting a sterile sample (with a Acetylcholine receptor antibody titer (AChRAT): Is a simple
needle, directly from the animal’s bladder, a procedure called a blood test performed specifically when a disease called myasthenia
cystocentesis or cysto) and plating it on a growth medium to see gravis is suspected.
if any bacteria grow. If there is growth, the bacteria are tested for
susceptibility to different antibiotics. ACTH plasma test is a blood test: To determine concentrations
of plasma adrenocortioctropic (ACTH) hormone concentrations.
Urine glucose test: Is a test to determine the amount of glucose This help determine the health of the adrenal gland.
in the urine. Glucose in the urine is commonly referred to by
veterinarians as “glucosuria”. ACTH stimulation test is a blood test: To diagnose
hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) or to diagnosis
Urine P:C ratio: Also known as urine protein-creatinine ratio, is a hyperadrenocoriticism (Cushing’s disease).
laboratory test used to detect or monitor renal disease.
Activated clotting time (ACT): Is a test that helps to determine
the ability of the blood to clot by checking the intrinsic clotting
V system (Factor XII, XI, IX and VIII).

Ammonia tolerance test (ATT): Analyzes a blood sample for
Vaccine titer: A vaccine titer reveals whether or not the animal ammonia levels after fasting. Afterward, ammonia is administered
currently has adequate protection against a disease. Low titers (ammonia is normally removed from the blood by the liver, but
indicate that vaccination will be necessary to provide immune liver disease may cause ammonia to accumulate in the blood) and
protection. blood is drawn and evaluated.

Velpeau sling: A Velpeau sling is a method of holding the wrist Antinuclear antibody test (ANA): Is a blood test that can indicate
(carpus), elbow and shoulder joints in flexion preventing the immune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s
animal from putting any weight on the forelimb. syndrome and/or rheumatoid arthritis.

W Aqueocentesis: Is a procedure in which a sample of fluid is
collected from the anterior chamber of the eye with a small needle.

Arthrocentesis (joint tap): Helps to determine abnormalities in
Wood’s lamp examination: Wood’s lamp is a diagnostic tool which joint fluid. The technique consists of clipping and scrubbing the
produces ultraviolet light. Approximately 50% of the pathogenic skin over a joint, and inserting a small needle to withdraw fluid.
dermatophyte species Microsporum canis will fluoresce a bright
green colour under ultraviolet light.
B

Bacterial cultures (culture): Are taken to determine what bacteria
FELINE are present in a sample. A culture can be taken of any body-fluid
or secretion.
A Barium enema (barium enema contrast radiography): Is a test

in which dye is placed directly in the colon to visualize the entire
colon on X-ray. It is sometimes recommended to reveal masses or
Abdominal radiographs: Are X-rays. They allow visualization changes within the colon.
of tissues and organs with the abdominal cavity or belly.
Bile acid studies (serum bile acids or SBA): Involve analyzing
Abdominal ultrasound (sonogram): Evaluates the internal a blood sample obtained after fasting and then giving the animal
organs of the abdomen using high frequency sound waves. food. Eating causes bile to be released, but then should be removed
Ultrasound and X rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound by the liver. The test can indicate liver disease.
shows a motion picture of the organs while they are functioning,
while an X-ray takes a static image. Biopsy: Is a tissue sample removed from the animal for examination,
usually to determine if a tumor is malignant or benign.
Abdominocentesis (abdominal tap): Is the removal of fluid from
the abdomen using a needle to determine the type of fluid present Blink reflex: involves a gentle tap with the finger at the corners
or to relieve fluid buildup. of the eye, and observing the completeness and speed of the eyelid
closure.

6 Alphavetscience.com