LO Vet Tech key terms

A directional term meaning toward the back or spine. In quadrupeds, it refers to the upper surface of the body. It is the opposite of ventral.

A directional term meaning toward the belly or lower surface of the body. It is the opposite of dorsal. In the standing animal, it points toward the ground.

A directional term meaning toward the head. It is used instead of 'anterior' in quadrupeds. For example, the neck is cranial to the shoulders.

A directional term meaning toward the tail. It is used instead of 'posterior' in quadrupeds. For example, the hips are caudal to the shoulders.

The anatomical region corresponding to the wrist in quadrupeds, located between the radius/ulna and the metacarpal bones. It is commonly called the knee in horses but is not a true knee.

The anatomical region corresponding to the ankle, located between the tibia/fibula and the metatarsal bones. It is commonly called the hock in many species.

The loose skin at the back of the neck and shoulders in cats and small animals. Grasping it is a common restraint technique but should be used gently and not for heavy lifting.

A protective cone-shaped device placed around an animal's neck to prevent it from licking, biting, or scratching a wound or surgical site. Also called an E-collar or cone.

A device or improvised material placed over an animal's snout to prevent biting. It should allow panting and never be left on an unattended animal for long periods.

The act of limiting an animal's movement for examination or procedures while minimizing stress and injury risk. It includes manual techniques and mechanical devices.

The legally required period after administering a drug to a food-producing animal before its meat, milk, or eggs can be sold for human consumption. It prevents drug residues in food.

Using an approved drug in a manner not described on its label, such as a different dose, species, or route. It requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship and careful record keeping.

The study of how a drug moves through the body over time, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. It helps determine dosing intervals and routes.

The concentration of an inhaled anesthetic that prevents movement in 50% of patients in response to a painful stimulus. It is used to compare anesthetic potency.

A stage of anesthesia depth characterized by specific signs such as eye position, muscle tone, and reflexes. Monitoring the plane helps ensure adequate anesthesia and prevents overdose.

Drugs given before induction of anesthesia to calm the patient, reduce pain, and decrease the amount of anesthetic needed. Common classes include sedatives, opioids, and anticholinergics.

The absence of pathogenic microorganisms. In surgery, aseptic technique includes hand hygiene, sterile gloves and instruments, and sterile drapes to prevent infection.

A designated area, such as a draped surgical site or instrument tray, that is free of microorganisms. Only sterile items and personnel may contact it.

The process of thoroughly washing hands, forearms, and sometimes the surgical site with an antiseptic solution to reduce microbial load before surgery.

Hardened plaque (tartar) on teeth formed by mineralized bacterial deposits. It contributes to periodontal disease and is removed by scaling during dental cleaning.

Inflammation and infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth, including gums and bone. It is caused by plaque bacteria and can lead to tooth loss and systemic effects.

The removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces using hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler. It is a key part of professional dental cleaning under anesthesia.

Describing a substance or tissue that blocks X-rays and appears white or light on a radiograph. Bone and metal are radiopaque.

Describing a substance or tissue that allows X-rays to pass through and appears dark or black on a radiograph. Air and fat are radiolucent.

An image produced by X-rays showing internal structures. It is commonly called an X-ray. Proper positioning and exposure are needed for diagnostic quality.

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, determined by centrifuging a blood sample in a capillary tube. It helps assess anemia or dehydration.

A laboratory test that measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, including counts and indices. It helps diagnose infection, anemia, and other conditions.

A thin layer of blood spread on a microscope slide and stained for examination. It allows evaluation of cell morphology, parasites, and platelet estimates.

The process of sorting patients by urgency of condition to prioritize care when resources are limited. In veterinary emergency medicine, it helps identify life-threatening cases first.

A mobile storage unit containing emergency drugs, supplies, and equipment needed for resuscitation. It should be checked regularly to ensure items are present and not expired.

A medication used in life-threatening situations, such as epinephrine for cardiac arrest or diazepam for seizures. These drugs must be readily available and correctly dosed.

Objective measurements of body function, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and sometimes blood pressure and pain score. They are used to monitor patient status.

The ongoing observation and measurement of a patient's condition during and after procedures. It includes vital signs, mucous membrane color, and mentation.

The systematic evaluation of an animal's pain using behavioral and physiological indicators. It guides analgesic treatment and improves welfare.

The region of the forelimb between the carpus and the digits, containing the metacarpal bones. It corresponds to the palm area in humans.

The region of the hindlimb between the tarsus and the digits, containing the metatarsal bones. It corresponds to the sole area in humans.