Page 9 - Terminology-Procedures

Holter monitors (continuous ambulatory EKG): Are a type of M
EKG. They record the heart rhythm over a period of time.

I Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Is a specialized X-ray
technique that uses powerful magnets to display the cross-sectional
anatomy of both soft and bony tissue.

IgE allergen test: Is a blood test that measures the levels of Mucosal bleeding time (MBT, bleeding time): Is a crude test
antibodies to different allerens that are present in the bloodstream. of platelet function, vascular (blood vessel) function and von
IgE is the type of antibody involved in the allergic response. Willebrand’s disease. A small, precise cut is made inside the dog’s
lip, and the time until a clot forms is measured. This test will help
Intradermal allergen test (allergy test): Is done to determine the veterinarian decide if more specific testing is indicated.
which allergens will cause a reaction. The hair is clipped from one
side of the thorax and small amounts of many individual allergens Mycoplasma culture: Is a test to determine if an infection is due
are injected into the skin. to the mycoplasma organism. A sterile cotton swab is swiped in the
area and the contents are placed in a culture tube.
Intravenous pyelogram: Is an X-ray study to identify the kidneys
and the ureters. It involves the injection of a dye into the veins, Myelography: Is an X-ray of the spinal cord following the
followed by X-rays of the kidneys. injection of a contrast medium. This can help determine tumors or
trauma to the spinal cord or vertebra.
J O

Joint fluid analysis (joint tap): Is used to determine abnormalities
in joint fluid. Ocular ultrasound: Evaluates the back segment of the eye. An
ultrasound probe is placed on the eyeball using a topical anesthetic.
K Oral bentiromide digestion test: Is used for diagnosing exocrine

pancreatic insufficiency. An oral bentiromide test substrate is
given, and then blood samples are taken 60 to 90 minutes later.
Keto-Diastix: A test for both glucose and ketones

P
Ketostix: Test solely for urinary ketones.

L Partial thromboplastin time (PTT, activated partial

thromboplastin time {APTT}): Is a test used to determine blood
clotting abiltity (expressed in time).
Laparotomy: Is an exploratory surgery that involves looking into
the abdomen for abnormalities (such as foreign bodies, tumors, Percussion: Striking the fingers on a body surface to produce
intestinal obstruction, gastric outflow obstruction) or to perform sound.
biopsies of abnormal tissues when the probability of abnormalities
is high. This is an invasive “test” and required general anesthesia. Pericardiocentesis: Is a puncture of the sac that surrounds the
heart. This is done to obtain fluid for examination, or to relieve
Lead level test: Is a blood test used to determine the amount of a condition called cardiac tamponade (fluid buildup around the
lead (a toxic metal) to which a pet has been exposed. heart).

Lipase: Is a pancreatic enzyme normally present in small Prothrombin time (PT): Is a test used to determine how quickly
concentrations in the blood. A serum lipase level test is often done blood clots.
as part of a biochemistry blood profile.
Pulse oximetry (OX): Is a method to determine blood oxygen
Liver function test: Determine liver function. It is often referred levels.
to as either serum bile acid concentrations, bile acid studies or
blood ammonia concentrations.

TERMINOLOGY. VETERINARY TESTS & PROCEDURES 9