Page 8 - Terminology-Procedures

examination of the back segment of the eye. Fluid analysis: Can be performed on any body-fluid. It often
includes cytology and cell counts.
Drop-on: Some parasite treatments are now available in a drop-on
form where a small amount of liquid is placed on the skin on the Fluorescein stain (eye staining test, corneal ulcer test): Is an
back of the cat’s neck to give residual protection for some weeks. orange stain that is applied to the cornea and the excess is rinsed
Infestation of fleas and other parasites can be treated in this way. off. The stain will adhere to ulcerated areas.

E Folate test: Is used to determine intestinal absorptive function and
the status of the ‘flora’.

Food trial test: May be done to rule out food allergy. During
Ear swab exam: Is a test to determine the cause of abnormal ear testing, the pet is fed a food containing ingredients that the animal
discharge. has never been exposed to. If the symptoms don’t improve, food
allergy can be excluded.
Echocardiogram (echo, cardiac ultrasound): Is an ultrasound
image made of the heart. Noninvasive equipment uses high Fructosamine test: Fructosamine is a sugar-albumin complex that
frequency sound waves to see inside the heart as the heart is forms in chronic hyperglycemic conditions. A fructosamine test is
functioning. a blood test that is used in animals to measure the average level
of glucose control over the past few weeks. It’s in proportion to
Electroretinogram (ERG): Evaluates the electrical responses of the blood glucose concentration over the lifespan of the glycated
the retina to light stimulation. This can help determine if a pet is protein being measured. The most common test for this in humans
blind. is the HbA1c, which is very much like the Ghb or glycosylated
hemoglobin test. Both tests measure the level of glycosylated proteins
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG): Is a noninvasive test used to in the blood. The higher the serum fructosamine concentration, the
determine the electrical activity of the heart. Small electrodes are higher the blood glucose levels have been over the lifespan of the
attached to the limbs and the body. albumin protein, which is 1-2 weeks in dogs and is presumed to be
the same in cats. The serum fructosamine concentration is meant
Endoscope (scoping): Is a long, flexible tube with a pinhead-size to reflect the blood glucose concentration level over a 7-10 day
camera at the tip. The tool is inserted into the sedated patient to period prior to testing. Serum fructosamine levels are significantly
view the inside of organs, obtain a biopsy sample or remove a higher in untreated or poorly controlled diabetic pets compared
foreign object. with stressed or sick non-diabetic pets with hyperglycemia. High
levels of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or circulating fat in the blood
Esophogram (barium swallow): Is a procedure that involves (lipemia) can interfere with fructosamine testing. The breakdown
swallowing barium and following the path of the barium through of red blood cells (hemolysis) or hyperthyroidism can also.
the gastrointestinal tract by using X-rays. G

F Glucose curve test (serial glucose checks): Monitor diabetic pets

and determine the effectiveness of their insulin therapy.

Fecal culture test: Is done to diagnose bacterial causes of diarrhea. Gonioscopy: Is a procedure that provides a magnified view of the
fluid drainage angle within the eye. This test often helps determine
Fecal fat analysis: Is conducted to confirm the presence of fat the cause of glaucoma.
in feces. The test consists of fecal collection for a 24 to 72-hour
period while the patient is confined and fed a standard diet.

Feline immunodeficiency anemia test (FIV test, feline AIDS H
test): Detects antibodies to the feline AIDS virus.
Heartworm test (HWT): Involves obtaining a blood sample.
Feline leukemia test (FeLV test, Fe Leuk test): Is a blood test Samples are used for an antibody test.
that detects antigens to the virus. Two different tests are commonly
used, the ELISA (enzyme linked immunsorbent assay) and the IFA Hepatic function tests (liver function tests): Are blood tests that
(immunofluorescent antibody test). determine the function of the liver. These tests may include bile
acid studies or ammonia tests.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA): Is a procedure that involves
placing a needle in a mass or organ and pulling back on the syringe Histopathology: Is a study of tissue, such as that obtained by a
to obtain a sample. biopsy.

8 Alphavetscience.com