OR Vet Tech key terms

The nervous system's detection and transmission of a painful stimulus, from receptor activation through spinal cord relay to brain perception. Distinct from pain itself, which is the conscious emotional experience. Balanced anesthesia aims to block nociception at multiple points along this pathway.

The alveolar concentration of an inhaled anesthetic at which 50 percent of patients do not move in response to a standardized noxious stimulus. A comparative potency measure: lower MAC means a more potent agent. MAC varies with species, age, and concurrent drugs.

Combining analgesic drugs from different classes, such as an opioid plus an NSAID plus a local anesthetic, to block pain at several points in the pathway. This approach improves comfort while allowing lower doses of each drug, reducing individual side effects.

Continuous delivery of a drug at a steady rate, usually via syringe pump or fluid pump, to maintain stable blood levels. Common in critical care for analgesics, lidocaine, and vasopressors. Doses are calculated from concentration, patient weight, and desired rate per hour.

A single, relatively rapid dose of a drug given to achieve a prompt effect, such as an induction agent or a fluid bolus for shock. Boluses are often followed by a constant rate infusion to sustain the effect.

The transition from an awake state to surgical anesthesia, usually achieved with an injectable drug such as propofol, alfaxalone, or ketamine after premedication. Endotracheal intubation typically follows induction so the airway can be controlled and oxygen delivered.

Drugs given before induction to calm the patient, reduce anxiety, provide analgesia, and reduce the dose of induction and maintenance agents needed. Common classes include opioids, alpha-2 agonists, benzodiazepines, and anticholinergics.

A drug such as atropine or glycopyrrolate that blocks acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, raising heart rate and reducing secretions and vagal tone. Used during anesthesia to treat bradycardia or prevent vagally mediated slowing.

Continuous measurement of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath, displayed as a waveform. The end-tidal value estimates alveolar and arterial CO2. It confirms endotracheal tube placement, monitors ventilation, and detects esophageal intubation or circuit disconnection.

Noninvasive estimation of arterial oxygen saturation using light absorption through tissue, usually a tongue, ear, or toe probe. It detects hypoxemia early but is unreliable with poor perfusion, motion, or certain pigments and does not measure ventilation.

Placement of a cuffed tube through the mouth into the trachea to maintain an open airway, deliver oxygen and anesthetic gas, and prevent aspiration. Correct placement is confirmed by capnography, chest auscultation, and tube visualization.

A precision device on an anesthesia machine that converts liquid volatile anesthetic into vapor and adds a controlled concentration to fresh gas flow. Agent-specific and calibrated, it is filled only with the agent it is labeled for to prevent overdose.

An anesthetic breathing system in which exhaled gas passes through a CO2 absorbent and is partly reused, conserving heat, humidity, and anesthetic agent. Best suited to larger patients; smaller patients may need a non-rebreathing system because of resistance and dead space.

Practices that prevent contamination of wounds, surgical sites, and sterile supplies, including hand scrubbing, sterile gowns and gloves, sterile drapes, and avoiding contact with nonsterile surfaces. A core principle of surgical nursing and wound care.

The area of a draped patient or table considered free of microorganisms, where only sterile items and gloved hands may contact. Items touching the edge or below table level are considered contaminated and must be replaced.

A timed, systematic washing of hands and forearms with antimicrobial soap and friction to reduce skin flora before donning a sterile gown and gloves. Scrub times and accepted antiseptics vary by protocol and product.

The stoppage of bleeding through clot formation and vessel constriction. In surgery it is achieved with pressure, ligatures, electrosurgery, or hemostatic agents. Monitoring hemostasis matters in patients with clotting disorders or rodenticide toxicity.

A suture or other material tied around a vessel or duct to occlude it and control bleeding or flow. Commonly used on pedicles during ovariohysterectomy and on larger vessels during mass removal.

The geometric arrangement of stitches used to close tissue, such as simple interrupted, simple continuous, cruciate, or mattress patterns. Choice depends on tissue tension, expected swelling, cosmetic needs, and whether the wound is clean or contaminated.

Removal of dead, devitalized, or contaminated tissue and foreign material from a wound to promote healing and reduce infection risk. May be surgical, mechanical, or enzymatic and is often repeated in open wound management.

A panel measuring red cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white cell count with differential, and platelet count. It screens for anemia, infection, inflammation, and bone marrow disorders and is a baseline before many procedures.

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells after centrifugation. A quick bedside measure of anemia or dehydration; compared with total protein, it helps classify fluid loss and blood loss.

The combined concentration of albumin and globulins in serum or plasma. Read alongside PCV to assess hydration and protein loss, and used to interpret effusions and liver or kidney disease.

A group of blood tests measuring enzymes, electrolytes, glucose, and organ markers such as BUN, creatinine, ALT, and ALP. Used to screen organ function, monitor disease, and guide anesthesia and drug dosing decisions.

The process by which blood forms clots, assessed by tests such as prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Abnormalities raise surgical bleeding risk and may indicate liver disease, DIC, or anticoagulant poisoning.

Physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine, including specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, and sediment. It helps detect urinary tract disease, diabetes, and kidney function and is often paired with blood work.

A measure of urine concentration relative to water, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute. Low values suggest dilute urine or excessive water intake; high values suggest dehydration or prerenal azotemia.

Collection of urine directly from the bladder through the abdominal wall using a needle and syringe, usually guided by ultrasound. Provides a sterile sample but carries a small risk of bladder rupture or seeding.

Elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations. Classified as prerenal, renal, or postrenal depending on cause; distinguishes dehydration and reduced renal perfusion from intrinsic kidney damage or urinary obstruction.

Imaging with X-rays to produce two-dimensional images of internal structures, based on tissue density differences. Standard views and positioning are essential; it is the most common first-line imaging method in veterinary practice.

The precise placement of a patient and the X-ray beam for a diagnostic image, including standard views such as lateral and ventrodorsal. Correct positioning prevents distortion, avoids repeats, and protects personnel from radiation.

Practices that minimize exposure of staff and patients to ionizing radiation, including protective aprons and gloves, distance, collimation, and minimizing the number of retakes. Dosimeter badges monitor cumulative occupational exposure.

Real-time imaging using high-frequency sound waves to evaluate soft tissues, fluid, and organ structure. Commonly used for pregnancy checks, abdominal screening, and ultrasound-guided sampling; it does not penetrate gas or bone well.

Rapid sorting of patients by urgency so that life-threatening problems are treated first. In emergency practice it is performed before full registration or history taking and repeated as the patient's condition changes.

A life-threatening state of inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery, causing cellular dysfunction. Types include hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, and obstructive; treatment depends on the cause and often begins with oxygen and fluid resuscitation.

Abnormally low oxygen in arterial blood, detectable by pulse oximetry or blood gas analysis. It can result from airway obstruction, lung disease, or poor circulation and is treated with supplemental oxygen and airway management.

The period after the last dose of a drug during which milk, meat, or eggs from a treated animal must not enter the food supply. Required on labels for food-producing species and a key legal and ethical responsibility in practice.

Use of an approved drug in a way not listed on its label, such as a different species, dose, or route. Permitted only under a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship with a legitimate medical rationale and appropriate warnings.

The professional relationship in which the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for the animal's care, the client agrees to follow instructions, and the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the patient to diagnose. Required for prescribing and dispensing drugs.

The client's agreement to a procedure after being told its purpose, risks, benefits, alternatives, and costs. Documented consent protects the patient and the practice and is standard before surgery or high-risk treatment.

Professional cleaning of teeth above and below the gumline, including scaling, polishing, and charting, performed under general anesthesia. It prevents periodontal disease and requires oral assessment and often dental radiographs.

Inflammation and destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, caused by plaque bacteria. It is the most common dental disease in dogs and cats and can progress to tooth loss and systemic effects if untreated.

Intraoral X-rays used to evaluate tooth roots, bone loss, and structures hidden beneath the gumline. Essential for planning extractions and detecting disease that visual examination alone cannot reveal.

Techniques that limit an animal's movement for examination, treatment, or sampling while minimizing stress and injury. Includes manual holds, muzzles, towels, and chemical restraint when needed; gentle, minimal restraint is preferred.

Approaches that reduce fear and anxiety during veterinary visits, such as pheromones, treats, towels, and allowing the animal to approach at its own pace. Improves safety and cooperation and supports better welfare and client experience.

A device placed over the snout to prevent biting during handling or procedures. Must allow panting and never be left on an animal unattended; brachycephalic breeds may not tolerate standard muzzles safely.

A standardized rating, often on a 1-to-9 or 1-to-5 scale, of an animal's fat coverage and muscle mass assessed by palpation and visual inspection. Used to monitor nutrition, detect obesity, and track weight management.

An infectious disease transmissible from animals to humans, such as rabies, ringworm, or leptospirosis. Prevention relies on vaccination, hygiene, personal protective equipment, and client education about risks.

Giving a drug by a route other than the digestive tract, such as subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection. Requires correct needle size, site selection, and aseptic preparation to ensure absorption and avoid injury.

How the body handles a drug over time: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. It explains onset, duration, and dosing intervals and is affected by species, age, liver and kidney function, and body condition.

Determining the amount of drug to give from the prescribed dose per kilogram and the patient's weight, then converting to volume using the drug concentration. Double-checking units and volumes prevents medication errors.

An elevated body temperature above the normal range, which may result from fever, heat stroke, or excessive muscle activity. Treatment targets the underlying cause and active cooling when severe; differs from fever's hypothalamic set-point change.

The body's response to injury or infection, marked by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. It is a protective process but can cause tissue damage when excessive or chronic.

A record of physiologic parameters during anesthesia, including heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, temperature, and agent concentration. It supports real-time decisions and provides a legal record of patient care.

Assessment of arterial pressure using Doppler or oscillometric devices, reported as systolic and diastolic values. Hypotension under anesthesia is common and requires treatment to maintain organ perfusion.

Rapid administration of balanced fluids to restore circulating volume in dehydrated or shocked patients. Crystalloids or colloids are chosen by cause and severity, with careful monitoring for overload.