Veterian Key

D D-Dimer DEFINITION Protein fragments that are formed from the degradation of cross-linked fibrin. They are specific for fibrin degradation products (fibrinolysis). This is a specific method of detecting active…

A Acanthocyte DEFINITION Erythrocyte morphologic abnormality characterized by irregular, usually blunt projections from the normally smooth round cell membrane (from the Greek akantha, meaning “thorn”). SYNONYMS Burr cell, spur cell,…

B Baermann Fecal Examination DEFINITION A method used for microscopic evaluation of fecal specimens for parasite larvae. Rather than being drawn to the surface, as with a fecal flotation, parasites…

Introduction to Laboratory Tests EDITOR Lois Roth-Johnson, DVM, PhD, DACVP This section regroups over 150 diagnostic tests that are used widely in small-animal practice. Information is drawn from both basic…

Z Zoonotic Diseases Zoonoses: Diseases for Which Immunocompromised People Are at Increased Risk, and Routes of Disease Transmission With permission from Greene C: Infectious diseases of the dog and cat,…

W Weakness Major Causes Modified from Ettinger S, Feldman E: Textbook of veterinary internal medicine, ed 5, St Louis, 2000, Saunders. Anemia Abdominal effusion Cardiovascular Chronic inflammation/infections Chronic wasting diseases…

V Vaccine Failure Causes From Greene C: Infectious diseases of the dog and cat, ed 2, St Louis, 1999, Saunders. γ, Uncertain. Host Factors Vaccine Factors Human Error Primary immunodeficiencies…

U Ulcerative/Erosive Skin Lesions Differential Diagnosis of Ulcers and Erosions Affecting Skin and Mucous Membranes Modified from Ettinger S, Feldman E: Textbook of veterinary internal medicine, ed 6, St Louis,…

T Tachycardia Differential Diagnosis for a Rapid Heart Rate Sinus tachycardia: Excitement Pain Toxicosis (e.g., chocolate; digitalis; aminophylline/theophylline; pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and related compounds) Sepsis Hypotension Congestive heart failure Systemic illness…