OK Vet Tech key terms

The fraction of an administered drug dose that reaches systemic circulation unchanged. Intravenous dosing is by definition 100%; oral and other routes are usually lower because of incomplete absorption or first-pass liver metabolism.

Loss of an orally administered drug during absorption and its first passage through the liver before it reaches general circulation. It explains why some drugs need higher oral doses or must be given by another route.

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to fall by half. It guides dosing intervals and predicts how long a drug persists after the last dose, though it is not the same as withdrawal time.

The ratio between a drug's toxic dose and its effective dose. A narrow index means the toxic and therapeutic ranges are close, so plasma monitoring and careful dosing are needed.

The condition in which drug intake and elimination balance, so plasma levels remain stable between doses. It is generally reached after about four to five half-lives of repeated dosing.

Using an approved animal drug in a way not listed on its label, such as a different species, dose, or indication. In the United States it requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship and careful attention to withdrawal times.

The required interval between the last dose of a drug and slaughter of a food-producing animal or sale of its milk or eggs, so residues fall below legal limits. It is a legal label parameter, not a clinical estimate.

The professional relationship in which the veterinarian has examined the animal, knows the client and herd or premises, and is available for follow-up. It is a legal prerequisite for prescribing and for extralabel drug use.

A running record of receipts and dispensing of scheduled drugs, kept to satisfy regulatory requirements and support inventory reconciliation. Discrepancies can indicate diversion and must be investigated and documented.

The client's voluntary agreement to a procedure or treatment after being told the purpose, expected benefits, material risks, alternatives, and costs. It should be documented in the medical record and obtained before care begins.

The set of practices that prevent microorganisms from entering a surgical site or sterile field, including sterile gowns and gloves, sterile drapes, and careful movement around the table. It is central to preventing surgical site infection.

The timed, systematic washing of hands and forearms with an antiseptic agent before donning sterile attire. It reduces resident and transient skin flora and is followed by application of sterile gloves and gown.

The area of the surgical table covered by sterile drapes and the sterile items within it. Only sterile instruments and personnel may contact it, and any item touching a nonsterile surface is considered contaminated.

An infection arising at or near an incision within a defined period after surgery. Prevention depends on patient preparation, aseptic technique, proper clipping, minimal tissue trauma, and appropriate perioperative antimicrobial use.

The shallow groove between the free gingival margin and the tooth surface. Its depth is measured with a periodontal probe; abnormal deepening indicates attachment loss and periodontal disease.

Measuring the depth of the gingival sulcus at multiple points around each tooth with a graduated probe. Values above the species-appropriate normal suggest attachment loss and guide dental charting and treatment planning.

Progressive inflammation and destruction of the tissues supporting the tooth, driven by plaque bacteria. It is the most common dental problem in dogs and cats and can lead to tooth loss and systemic effects.

Recording each tooth's condition, probing depths, furcation and mobility findings, and treatments performed on a standardized form. A complete, accurate chart supports monitoring over time and is part of the legal medical record.

A panel measuring red cell mass, white cell counts and differential, and platelet numbers. It helps identify anemia, inflammation, infection, stress responses, and bone marrow or platelet disorders.

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red cells after centrifugation. It is a rapid bedside measure of anemia or hemoconcentration and is often checked with total protein.

The thin, pale layer between packed red cells and plasma after centrifugation, containing white cells and platelets. It is examined for icterus and used in crossmatching and some rapid tests.

A group of blood tests measuring analytes such as glucose, electrolytes, kidney and liver values, and proteins. Results are interpreted together with the history, physical examination, and other laboratory data.

Examination of urine by physical appearance, specific gravity, chemical test strip, and microscopic sediment review. It provides information about hydration, kidney function, urinary tract disease, and metabolic disorders.

A standardized, hands-on assessment of fat cover and muscle mass, usually on a 1-to-9 or 1-to-5 scale. It is a practical screening tool for obesity and undernutrition and is tracked over time.

The time for color to return to a blanched area of mucous membrane, normally under about two seconds. Prolongation suggests poor perfusion, and rapid refill may occur with vasodilation or fever.

The rapid sorting of patients by urgency so that life-threatening problems are treated first. It considers airway, breathing, circulation, and other vital signs and is repeated as the patient's condition changes.

A chronological record of vital signs, drug doses, and events during anesthesia, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, and depth indicators. It supports real-time decisions and later review.

The alveolar concentration of an inhaled anesthetic at which half of patients do not respond to a standard painful stimulus. It allows comparison of potency and helps guide vaporizer settings.

The level of central nervous system depression produced by anesthetic drugs, judged from reflexes, muscle tone, eye position, and response to stimulation. It is balanced to keep the patient unconscious yet stable.

Noninvasive estimation of arterial oxygen saturation using light absorption through tissue. Readings depend on good perfusion and probe placement, so trends and the waveform matter more than a single number.

Administration of balanced electrolyte solutions to restore circulating volume and correct dehydration or electrolyte deficits. Rate and choice depend on the patient's perfusion, ongoing losses, and cardiac and kidney status.

Combining drugs from different classes, such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and local anesthetics, to control pain through complementary mechanisms. It improves relief while allowing lower doses of each agent.

Using a validated, species-appropriate scale to assess pain from behavior, posture, activity, and response to handling. Serial scores guide analgesic choice and document whether treatment is working.

A drug that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes and prostaglandin production. Risks include gastrointestinal ulceration and kidney injury, so use is avoided in dehydrated or hypotensive patients.

Injection of an agent such as lidocaine or bupivacaine near a nerve or surgical site to numb a region. It provides preemptive analgesia and can reduce the general anesthetic dose required.

Placing the patient in a standard view for a radiographic study, such as lateral or ventrodorsal. Correct, symmetrical positioning prevents rotation artifacts and improves diagnostic quality and reproducibility.

The combination of kilovoltage, milliamperage, and exposure time that determines image density and contrast. Settings are adjusted for tissue thickness and region, and errors cause under- or overexposure.

Imaging with high-frequency sound waves to evaluate soft tissue structure and motion in real time. It complements radiography, especially for abdominal organs, pregnancy, and fluid assessment.