Page 7 - Terminology-Procedures

inserted into the colon to visualize the colon. This helps diagnose
Blood gas test: Help determine oxygen levels of the blood. Tests abnormalities such as chronic colitis.
can be run on blood from an artery, though sometimes blood is
taken from a vein. Complete blood count (hemogram, CBC): Is a sample of
blood that is evaluated for red and white blood cells. It is used to
Blood glucose (BG, blood sugar): Help diagnose diabetes determine anemia, abnormal platelet number and abnormal white
mellitus or insulinoma. blood cell count.

Blood pressure: Is a test done to determine the pressure of blood Computed tomography (CAT scan or CT scan): Is a specialized
against the walls of blood vessels. This can tell how well the heart X-ray technique that uses ionizing energy to display a cross-
is pumping, the resistance to blood flow and blood volume. sectional view of the anatomy.

Blood type: An AB system is used in cats. Cats have three blood Contrast cystourogram: Is an X-ray taken of the bladder and
groups. The red blood cell proteins are: Type A antigen, Type B urethra after a dye has been injected into the bladder to evaluate
antigen, Type AB antigen. the lower urinary tract.
Type A - Type A antigen; Type A blood; N-glycolyl-neuraminic
acid Coombs test: Determines certain antigen-antibody reactions. This
Type B - Type B antigen; Type A blood; N-acetyl-neuraminic is performed on a blood sample and help diagnose certain immune
acid diseases.
Type AB - Type AB antigen; Type AB blood; Both N-glycolyl-
neuraminic acid and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid Crossmatching: Is a blood test used to determine the compatibility
of blood with donor blood.
Blood typing: Determines blood type in case a blood transfusion
is necessary. It involves taking a blood sample from the animal. Culture and sensitivity test: Is done to determine what bacteria
are present in a blood sample (the culture) and which antibiotic
Bone marrow evaluation (bone marrow aspirate): Involves works best to kill them (sensitivity).
taking a sample of bone marrow, which manufactures red blood
cells, white blood cells and platelets. A syringe is inserted into a Cystocentesis (cysto): Is a procedure to obtain a urine sample. A
bone and a bit of marrow is drawn out. small needle is placed through the abdominal wall into the bladder.
This is considered the best method to examine urine.
Bone scan: Involves injecting a small amount of radioactive
material that would normally accumulate in bone. This can help Cystogram: Is the x-ray obtained by cystography (X-rays of the
detect the cause of lameness or bone pain. urinary bladder using a contrast medium so the outlines of the
organ can be seen clearly).
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): Is a test in which fluid samples
of the bronchus and alveolar (lung tissue) is obtained, usually Cystoscopy: Is the examination of the bladder using a cystoscope,
through use of a bronchoscope. The fluid is sent for cytology and a tool that is inserted into the urinary tract.
culture.
Bronchoscopy: Involves passing a fiberoptic tube into the mouth D
of a patient and snaking it to the tracheal and bronchopulmonary
tree to obtain a visual examination. Dacryocystohinography: Is a procedure in which contrast media
C is flushed through the entire tear duct system to enhance its

visibility on X-rays.

Cerebral spinal fluid test (CSF tap): Samples the fluid Dermatophytes (fungal culture, DTM): Is a fungal culture taken
surrounding the spinal cord and brain. It is collected using a small to determine the presence of ringworm fungi. A small bit of hair is
needle. plucked from the edge of the lesion and placed on a special culture
media.
Chest radiographs: Are X-rays of the chest cavity to visualize the
heart and lungs. Diastix: A test for glucose in the urine.

Cobalamin: Is a blood test used to determine intestinal absorptive Digoxin level: Is a blood test for patients on the drug digoxin to
function and the status of the “flora” (natural intestinal bacteria). determine therapeutic blood levels.

Colonoscopy: Is a procedure in which a flexible scope is Direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy: Provide a magnified

TERMINOLOGY. VETERINARY TESTS & PROCEDURES 7