MI Vet Tech flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

PCV

Packed cell volume, the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, measured by microhematocrit centrifugation; normal dog 37–55%, cat 30–45%.

Modified Triadan system

A dental charting system numbering teeth by quadrant: 100 right maxilla, 200 left maxilla, 300 left mandible, 400 right mandible; each tooth has a two-digit number.

MAC

Minimum alveolar concentration, the alveolar concentration of anesthetic that prevents movement in 50% of patients; isoflurane MAC in dogs is approximately 1.3%.

VCPR

Veterinary-client-patient relationship, established when the veterinarian examines the animal and assumes responsibility for care; required for prescribing medication.

RER

Resting energy requirement, calculated as 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75; used to estimate daily caloric needs for hospitalized or critically ill patients.

ALARA

As low as reasonably achievable, the radiation safety principle that minimizes exposure through collimation, shielding, and avoiding unnecessary radiographs.

IRIS staging

International Renal Interest Society staging for chronic kidney disease based on creatinine and SDMA; stages 1–4 reflect increasing severity and guide treatment.

Modified Glasgow pain scale

A validated composite pain assessment tool for dogs that scores behavior, posture, activity, and physiologic parameters to guide analgesic therapy.

C1V1 = C2V2

Dilution formula: C1 is stock concentration, V1 is stock volume, C2 is final concentration, and V2 is final volume; used to prepare drug dilutions accurately.

Sinoatrial node

The primary pacemaker of the heart, located in the right atrium; initiates electrical impulses that spread through the atria and ventricles to coordinate contraction.

Zoonosis

An infectious disease transmissible from animals to humans, such as rabies, leptospirosis, or ringworm; prevented by hygiene, PPE, and vaccination.

CPR compression rate

Chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be delivered at 100–120 per minute with full recoil and minimal interruptions to maintain perfusion.

PT and PTT

Coagulation tests: prothrombin time evaluates the extrinsic and common pathways; partial thromboplastin time evaluates the intrinsic and common pathways.

Feline tooth resorption

A common painful condition in cats characterized by resorption of tooth structure, often visible as a defect at the gingival margin; treatment is extraction or crown amputation.

ASA physical status

A preoperative classification from I (healthy) to V (moribund) used to assess anesthetic risk; the suffix E indicates emergency surgery.

DEA registration

Federal registration required to handle controlled substances; mandates secure storage, inventory logs, and reporting of loss or theft.

Body condition score

A 1–9 scale assessing body fat based on rib palpation, waist, and abdominal tuck; 5 is ideal, 1 is emaciated, and 9 is obese.

Fructosamine

A serum protein that reflects average blood glucose over the previous 2–3 weeks; used to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats.

Bisecting angle technique

A dental radiographic positioning method where the central beam is directed perpendicular to the bisector of the angle between the tooth and the film.

Pulse oximetry

A noninvasive method to estimate arterial oxygen saturation by measuring light absorption through tissue; normal SpO2 is typically 95–100%.

Hypoglycemia emergency

Blood glucose below approximately 60 mg/dL; treat with dextrose 0.5–1 g/kg IV slowly, then monitor and provide a carbohydrate meal if the patient can eat.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney, consisting of a glomerulus and tubules; responsible for filtration, reabsorption, and secretion to form urine.

Low-stress handling

Techniques that reduce fear and aggression during restraint, including pheromones, treats, towels, minimal force, and allowing the animal to approach.

Vincristine route

A chemotherapeutic agent that must be administered intravenously only; intrathecal administration is fatal, so route-specific labeling and separate syringes are required.

Orogastric decompression

Passing a tube through the mouth into the stomach to relieve gas and fluid in gastric dilatation-volvulus; performed before surgery in unstable patients.

Surgical scrub

Aseptic preparation of the surgical site using chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine in concentric circles from the incision outward for 3–5 minutes.

Barium sulfate

A radiopaque contrast agent used for gastrointestinal studies; contraindicated when gastrointestinal perforation is suspected because leakage causes peritonitis.

Hyperthyroidism in cats

A common endocrine disorder caused by excessive thyroid hormone; diagnosed by elevated T4 and treated with methimazole, radioactive iodine, or thyroidectomy.

Zinc sulfate flotation

A fecal concentration technique using zinc sulfate solution to detect parasite eggs; preferred over sugar flotation for some parasites and less likely to distort eggs.

Sympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system that mediates fight-or-flight responses, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.

Muzzle contraindications

Avoid muzzles in brachycephalic breeds, animals with respiratory distress, and vomiting patients because they can obstruct the airway and impair breathing.

Informed consent

The process of explaining diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and costs to the client and documenting their agreement before proceeding.