ACVECC key terms

The concentration of dissolved particles per kilogram of solvent, determining water movement across cell membranes. In plasma it guides fluid selection and detects free-water deficits or excesses in critically ill patients.

The oncotic pull exerted by large molecules such as albumin that holds fluid within the vascular space. Low values predispose to edema formation and guide colloid or plasma therapy decisions.

The portion of blood volume that is actively perfusing tissues and stimulating baroreceptors. It can be low despite normal total body water, as in sepsis or heart failure, driving compensatory sodium retention.

An end product of anaerobic glycolysis used as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion and illness severity. Serial measurements help assess resuscitation response and prognosis in shock and sepsis.

A syndrome of inadequate oxygen delivery or utilization relative to tissue demand, producing cellular dysfunction and organ injury. Categories include hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, and obstructive forms requiring different therapies.

A drug, such as norepinephrine or vasopressin, that constricts blood vessels to raise mean arterial pressure when fluid therapy alone fails. Used in distributive shock after volume status is addressed.

The average arterial pressure across the cardiac cycle, calculated roughly as diastolic pressure plus one third of pulse pressure. It is the key perfusion target during resuscitation of hypotensive patients.

A fluid containing large molecules that remain largely within the vasculature and exert oncotic pressure. Examples include synthetic hydroxyethyl starches and natural albumin or plasma products.

A solution of small ions and molecules that distributes across all body fluid compartments after administration. Balanced versions approximate plasma electrolyte composition and are first-line for volume replacement.

Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Recognition relies on clinical signs, perfusion markers, and infection evidence, with treatment combining antimicrobials and hemodynamic support.

A nonspecific constellation of inflammatory changes, such as fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and leukocyte abnormalities, that may accompany infection, trauma, or other insults. It prompts evaluation for an underlying cause.

A consumptive coagulopathy triggered by widespread coagulation activation, producing thrombosis and bleeding simultaneously. Diagnosis uses platelet count, coagulation times, fibrinogen, and D-dimer alongside the clinical picture.

A coagulation test measuring the extrinsic and common pathways, prolonged by factor deficiencies, vitamin K antagonism, or consumptive states. It is interpreted alongside activated partial thromboplastin time and platelet count.

A coagulation assay evaluating the intrinsic and common pathways, sensitive to heparin and to several factor deficiencies. Results are compared with species reference intervals and interpreted with the clinical context.

A noninvasive technique estimating arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation by measuring light absorption across a perfused tissue bed. Readings are unreliable with poor perfusion, motion, or certain pigmented tissues.

Analysis of arterial blood measuring pH, partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and bicarbonate to classify acid-base and oxygenation status. It is the reference method for ventilatory assessment.

The total oxygen transported to tissues per minute, the product of cardiac output and arterial oxygen content. It falls with anemia, hypoxemia, or low cardiac output and is central to shock physiology.

The pressure measured in the cranial vena cava or right atrium, reflecting right heart filling pressure. Trends, rather than absolute values, are used cautiously to guide fluid administration.

A life-threatening emergency in which the stomach distends with gas and rotates, obstructing outflow and impairing venous return. Rapid decompression, stabilization, and surgical fixation are required.

The rapid, prioritized assessment of an injured patient to identify and address immediately life-threatening problems before detailed evaluation. It follows a structured primary survey sequence.

A coordinated sequence of chest compressions, ventilation, and drug therapy intended to restore circulation and oxygenation during cardiac arrest. Evidence-based protocols emphasize high-quality compressions and minimal interruptions.

Delivery of a controlled electrical shock to terminate a shockable arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation. Success depends on prompt recognition and adequate energy delivery.

Recording of the heart's electrical activity to identify arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, and chamber enlargement. It complements auscultation and is essential during arrhythmia management.

Positive-pressure support of breathing used when spontaneous ventilation is inadequate or respiratory muscles are failing. It requires monitoring of airway pressures, oxygenation, and patient comfort.

An abrupt decline in renal function marked by rising creatinine or azotemia and often reduced urine output. Causes are classified as prerenal, intrinsic renal, or postrenal and management targets the underlying mechanism.

A measure of urine concentration relative to water that reflects renal concentrating ability. It helps distinguish prerenal azotemia from intrinsic renal disease and assess hydration status.

An elevated serum potassium concentration that can cause bradycardia, weakness, and cardiac arrest. Emergency treatment protects the myocardium and shifts or removes potassium while the cause is corrected.

The difference between measured cations and anions in serum, used to detect unmeasured acids. An increased gap suggests organic acidosis such as ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis.

Provision of calories and nutrients, enterally when possible, to critically ill patients who cannot meet requirements voluntarily. Early feeding supports gut integrity and recovery.

Systematic evaluation of a patient's discomfort using species-appropriate behavioral and physiologic indicators. Accurate scoring guides analgesic selection and titration in hospitalized animals.

The structured hands-on evaluation of body systems using inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Findings generate a problem list that directs diagnostic testing and treatment planning.

The systematic gathering of owner-reported information about onset, duration, progression, and environment of a problem. It frames the differential diagnosis and often narrows diagnostic testing.

A ranked list of plausible explanations for a patient's problem, generated from signalment, history, and examination findings. It is refined as test results arrive.

The identifying characteristics of a patient, including species, breed, age, sex, and reproductive status. These features influence disease likelihood and guide diagnostic priorities.

The relationship between fluid intake and losses that maintains normal body water and electrolyte composition. Assessing it guides maintenance and replacement fluid prescriptions.

The judicious use of antimicrobials, including appropriate indication, drug selection, dose, and duration, to preserve effectiveness and limit resistance. It includes culture-guided de-escalation when possible.

The lowest antimicrobial concentration that prevents visible growth of a bacterial isolate in vitro. It informs drug and dose selection together with pharmacokinetic considerations.

Laboratory testing that identifies a causative organism and its drug sensitivity pattern. Results guide targeted antimicrobial therapy and support de-escalation from empirical drugs.