NAVTA AVA key terms

The study of the structure of the body, including organs, tissues, bones, and how they relate to one another. Veterinary assistants use it to locate landmarks and understand procedures.

The study of how body systems function and work together to keep an animal alive and healthy. It explains processes such as breathing, digestion, circulation, and hormone regulation.

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions, such as temperature, pH, and blood sugar, despite changes outside. Illness or injury can disrupt homeostasis, causing signs a veterinary team must monitor.

A directional term meaning toward the head or front end of the body. For example, the shoulders are cranial to the hips in a standing dog.

A directional term meaning toward the tail or rear end of the body. In a dog, the hips are caudal to the shoulders.

A directional term meaning toward the back or upper surface of an animal. In quadrupeds, the spine is dorsal, while the belly is ventral.

The use of safe techniques or equipment to limit an animal's movement for examination or treatment. Proper restraint protects the patient, the staff, and the client while reducing stress.

A handling method that grasps loose skin at the back of the neck to control a cat or small dog. It should be used gently and briefly, as rough scruffing can cause stress or injury.

A device placed over an animal's snout to prevent biting during handling or procedures. It must allow breathing and be removed promptly once the task is complete.

A position in which an animal lies on its side. It is commonly used for examinations, radiographs, and some procedures, and requires support to keep the patient comfortable and safe.

A protective cone-shaped device worn around an animal's neck to prevent licking or chewing at wounds, bandages, or surgical sites. It must be sized correctly so the animal can eat and drink.

The use of sedative or anesthetic drugs to calm or immobilize an animal for safe handling or procedures. It requires veterinary authorization and close monitoring of the patient's vital signs.

Measurable body functions used to assess health, typically including temperature, pulse, respiration, and sometimes pain score or mucous membrane color. They are recorded before, during, and after procedures.

Listening to internal body sounds, such as heart, lung, or bowel sounds, usually with a stethoscope. It helps detect abnormalities like murmurs, crackles, or reduced gut motility.

A quick test of circulation performed by pressing on the gum above a tooth until it blanches, then timing how long color returns. Normally it is under two seconds.

An abbreviation for temperature, pulse, and respiration, the three core vital signs recorded at each veterinary visit. Together they give a quick picture of an animal's health status.

The process of inserting a needle into a vein to collect blood or administer fluids. Common sites in dogs and cats include the cephalic, jugular, and saphenous veins.

A small flexible tube placed into a vein to deliver fluids, medications, or blood products over time. It must be placed aseptically and checked frequently for swelling or disconnection.

The amount of a medication given to a patient, usually calculated by body weight and expressed as milligrams per kilogram or milliliters. Correct dosage calculations are critical to safety and effectiveness.

The path by which a medication enters the body, such as oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or topical. Each route affects how quickly the drug works and how it is absorbed.

The required period after giving a medication or vaccine before an animal's meat, milk, or eggs can be sold for human consumption. It prevents drug residues from entering the food supply.

A blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in a sample after centrifugation. It helps assess anemia, dehydration, or blood loss in a patient.

A laboratory test that examines urine for color, concentration, pH, protein, glucose, blood cells, and crystals. Results help screen for urinary, kidney, and metabolic diseases.

A laboratory technique that separates parasite eggs and cysts from fecal matter using a solution so they float to the top for microscopic examination. It is used to diagnose internal parasites.

Practices that prevent the introduction of microorganisms into a wound, surgical site, or sterile field. Asepsis includes hand washing, sterile gloves, and proper disinfection of equipment.

The process of reducing or killing harmful microorganisms on surfaces or equipment using chemical agents. It does not necessarily kill bacterial spores, unlike sterilization.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on equipment or supplies. It is required for surgical instruments and other items that enter sterile body areas.

An infectious disease that can spread from animals to humans. Veterinary staff must recognize zoonotic risks and use protective measures to prevent transmission.

Clothing or gear worn to protect staff from hazards, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. It is selected based on the task and the risk of exposure.

Any biological material, such as blood, tissue, or infectious waste, that poses a risk to health. Biohazard items must be labeled and disposed of according to clinic protocols.

A communication skill that involves fully focusing on the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and repeating key points back. It helps clients feel heard and reduces misunderstandings about care.

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, such as a worried pet owner. Showing empathy builds trust and improves the client's experience during stressful visits.

The process of explaining a procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives so the client can make a voluntary decision. Documentation of consent protects the patient and the practice.

Specialized language used by healthcare professionals that clients may not understand. Veterinary staff should explain terms in plain language to ensure clear communication and client compliance.

Communication through body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures rather than words. It can convey calmness, concern, or confidence and strongly affects client perceptions.

The extent to which a client follows agreed treatment or prevention recommendations, such as giving medication on schedule. Clear instructions and follow-up calls can improve adherence.