Page 4 - Terminology-Procedures

Electrocardiogram (EKG): Is a test done to record the electrical known as heartworm. This test is indicated when an animal shows
activity of the heart and is done by attaching small contact signs of coughing or heart disease.
electrodes to the limbs and body.
Histopathology: Is the study of tissues, as in biopsy samples and
Endoscopy: An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a tiny samples of abnormal tissues to determine the presence of disease
camera at the tip that is used to look at the inner lining of the and help guide further treatment. It is indicated for every lump,
throat, stomach and intestine, colon or at the respiratory passages mass or abnormal tissue removed from an animal.
to help diagnose and treat a variety of disorders.

Fecal examination: Is the microscopic evaluation of feces and is L
recommended on all animals as part of a yearly health exam. Fecal
examinations are also recommended on all puppies.
Lyme titer: A Lyme test determines the presence of antibodies
Fine needle aspiration: Lumps, bumps and strange looking areas specific for Lyme disease. A Lyme titer is indicated anytime a
are common in veterinary medicine. To help determine whether tick borne illness is suspected to determine if your pet has been
or not the suspicious organ or lump is a concern, a fine needle exposed to Lyme disease.
aspiration is often performed.

Fluid analysis: Fluid accumulation can be caused by infection, M
abnormal functioning organs, viruses and even cancer. Analyzing
the fluid is an important aspect of finding the cause of the fluid
accumulation and developing an appropriate treatment plan. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Is a non-invasive medical
test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Fluorescein stain: Fluorescein is an orange stain that is applied MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a
to the cornea of the eye to determine if there is any erosion to the computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone
surface of the eye. Once the stain is applied to the eye, it turns and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then
fluorescent green. be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically,
printed or copied to a CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation
Fungal culture: A fungal culture is often performed to determine (x-rays).
if a skin rash or abnormality is related to ringworm and is indicated
anytime there is a suspicious skin rash or lesion. Despite its name,
ringworm is caused by a fungus and not a parasite. N

G Nasal feeding tube: Is a device that is inserted through the nose

into the esophagus or stomach for the purpose of administering
fluids and nutrients.
Glucose curve: A glucose curve involves multiple measurements
of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your
veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to P
administer the drug.

Glycosylated hemoglobin level: Glycosylated hemoglobin is the Pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) test: is the definitive
product that results when high levels of glucose (sugar) are in the test for pancreatitis in cats and dogs. There are separate tests for
blood. This test gives an idea of what the blood glucose levels have canines (cPLI) and felines (fPLI). The test looks for lipase that
been over the course of the past several days. is specifically from the pancreas; in normal chemistry panels the
lipase recorded may be from organs other than the pancreas.
Gonioscopy: Is the examination of the iridocorneal angle of the
eye. The iridocorneal angle is where the base of the iris attaches to Partial thromboplastin time: Is a blood test used to determine
the cornea and sclera (the white, outer layer of the eyeball). if the pet has a bleeding disorder. This test is often performed in
conjunction with the prothrombin time test.
H Parvo test: A parvo test can help determine whether parvovirus

is the cause of the dog’s illness, and the most practical method for
diagnosis is the ELISA test. A parvo test is indicated in any puppy
Heartworm test: Is a blood test that evaluates your pet for the with gastrointestinal illness, regardless of vaccination status.
presence of the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, more commonly

4 Alphavetscience.com