Page 3 - Terminology-Procedures

CANINE Bronchoalveolar lavage: Is a test in which fluid samples of the
bronchus and alveoli (air sacs) are obtained. These fluid samples
are then submitted for analysis to help determine the underlying
cause of illness.
A C

Abdominal radiograph (X-ray): Is a procedure that allows your
veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath Canine heartworm antigen test kit: Is an immunoassay designed
the skin. to directly detect the presence of the heartworm antigen.

Abdominal ultrasound: An ultrasound evaluates the internal Central venous pressure (CVP): Is the measurement of fluid
organs of the abdomen through the use of sound waves. Ultrasound pressure in the right upper chamber of the heart or the anterior
and X-rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound shows a vena cava.
motion picture of the organs as they are functioning, while X-rays
are a static image. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap: Is the collection of fluid found in
the subarachnoid space, surrounding the brain and spinal cord, for
Abdominocentesis: Is the procedure in which fluid is removed diagnostic purposes.
from the abdomen with the use of a needle. Any fluid in the
abdominal cavity is considered abnormal and a sample should be Chest radiograph (X-ray): Is a procedure that allows your
removed for evaluation. veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath
the skin of the chest cavity.
Activated clotting time: Is a test used to determine if a bleeding
disorder is present. This test is often done in the veterinary office Complete blood count (CBC): Is a blood test to evaluate the
as a screening test. More sensitive tests may be needed. number of specific cells in the blood. This test is often used as a
screening test for underlying infection, anemia and illness.
Aqueocentesis: Is the aspiration (removal by sucking action)
of aqueous humor. This fluid nourishes the lens and cornea and Crossmatching: Is a test used to determine if the blood that is
maintains the proper ocular pressure. about to be transfused is compatible with the blood of the patient.
Incompatible transfusions can result in transfusion reactions.
Arthrocentesis: Is the aspiration of fluid from a joint cavity.
A needle is inserted in the joint and fluid is removed for later Culture and sensitivity: A bacterial urine culture and sensitivity
examination. is indicated to assess whether there is a bacterial infection present
and what antibiotics are ind icated.
B Cystocentesis (cysto): Collecting urine can be tricky in dogs,
especially if the urine needs to be collected without contamination.
Cystocentesis is the procedure in which an uncontaminated urine
Biochemical profile: Is a blood test that assesses the function of specimen is removed from the urinary bladder using a needle.
internal organs, measures the electrolytes such as blood potassium,
and identifies the levels of circulating enzymes. Cytology: Is the evaluation of cells, either tissue or blood, under
a microscope. Cytology can detect the presence of inflammation,
Blood pressure: A blood pressure reveals the pressure within the infection, bacteria, fungi, parasites and cancer.
vessels, and it is very much like getting your own pressure taken.
High blood pressure and low blood pressure can lead to significant
illness and often needs medical treatment. E

Blood typing: Is a test that determines the blood type of an animal.
Like people, dogs and cats have different blood types. Since blood Ear swab examination: An ear swab examination reveals the
types do not change throughout the pet’s life, this test is only presence of bacteria, fungi and parasites, and determining the
needed once. underlying cause of ear discharge, pain or itchiness can help
determine appropriate treatment.
Bone marrow biopsy: Is the extraction of a piece of bone marrow
for microscopic examination. Bone marrow is the soft material Echocardiogram in dogs (cardiac ultrasound): An
that lines the cavity of bones and is primarily found in the center echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. This procedure
portion of bones. evaluates the function of the heart through the use of sound waves
and is most often performed by a specialist.

TERMINOLOGY. VETERINARY TESTS & PROCEDURES 3