DecifraVet
ITEN

Glossary

The terms on your pet's test results, explained in plain language. 110 terms, grouped by type of test.

Blood count

Anemia
A shortage of red cells or hemoglobin. Your pet may seem tired, with pale gums.
Complete blood count (CBC)(CBC, hemogram)
The test that counts the cells in the blood: red cells, white cells and platelets. It is the starting point of almost every check-up.
Eosinophils
White cells tied to allergies and parasites. They often rise with parasites or allergic reactions.
Hematocrit (HCT)(HCT, PCV)
The share of blood made up of red cells. Low points to anemia, high often to dehydration.
Hemoglobin (HGB)(HGB, Hb)
The protein in red cells that carries oxygen. It moves in step with hematocrit and red cell count.
Leukocytosis
White cells above the normal range. Often a sign of infection, inflammation or even just the stress of the visit.
Leukopenia
White cells below the normal range. Can point to a viral infection or a problem with the bone marrow.
Lymphocytes
White cells of the 'targeted' immune response. They vary with viral infections, stress and immune stimulation.
MCHC
The average hemoglobin concentration in the red cells. With MCV it helps frame an anemia.
MCV(mean corpuscular volume)
The average size of the red cells: whether they are small or large. It helps classify the type of anemia.
Monocytes
White cells that 'clean up' tissue and microbes. They often rise in chronic inflammation.
Neutrophils
The most common white cells, the first line against bacterial infections. They rise with infection, inflammation or stress.
Platelets (PLT)(PLT, thrombocytes)
The cells that stop bleeding by helping the blood clot. Very low counts raise the risk of bleeding.
Red blood cells (RBC)(RBC, erythrocytes)
The cells that carry oxygen. Too few means anemia, too many is usually dehydration.
Reticulocytes
Young red blood cells. They show whether the bone marrow is responding to anemia by making new ones.
Thrombocytopenia
Platelets below the normal range. When marked it raises the bleeding risk and should be checked by the vet.
White blood cells (WBC)(WBC, leukocytes)
The cells of the immune system. They shift when there is an infection, inflammation or stress.

Biochemistry

Albumin
The main protein in the blood, made by the liver. Low can point to problems with the liver, kidneys or gut.
ALP(ALKP, alkaline phosphatase)
An enzyme linked to the liver, bile ducts and bones. In puppies and kittens it is normally high because of growth.
ALT(GPT, ALT (GPT))
A liver enzyme. When it is high it can mean the liver cells are stressed or damaged.
Amylase
An enzyme from the pancreas. Read it with lipase to check for possible pancreatitis.
AST(GOT)
An enzyme found in the liver and muscles. Read it together with ALT to tell whether the issue is liver or muscle.
Bile acids
A test of liver function, often measured fasting and after a meal. High when the liver is not working well.
Bilirubin
A pigment made by the liver. When it is high, jaundice can appear (a yellow tint to the gums and eyes).
Blood glucose(glucose)
The sugar in the blood. High can mean diabetes or stress (common in cats), low should be looked at right away.
Cholesterol
A fat in the blood. In dogs and cats it depends a lot on the meal and on the thyroid, liver and metabolism.
CK(creatine kinase, CPK)
An enzyme from muscle and heart. High after hard exercise, trauma, injections or muscle damage.
Creatinine
A value that measures kidney function. When it rises it can mean the kidneys are filtering less well.
Fructosamine
The average blood sugar over the last 2 to 3 weeks. In diabetes it tells true high sugar from stress.
GGT
An enzyme of the bile ducts, useful together with ALP to assess the liver and gallbladder.
Globulins
Proteins tied to immune defenses and inflammation. They often rise with chronic infections.
Lipase
An enzyme from the pancreas that digests fats. High can point to inflammation of the pancreas.
SDMA
An early marker of kidney function, more sensitive than creatinine: it rises sooner when the kidneys start to struggle.
Specific pancreatic lipase(cPL, fPL, spec cPL, spec fPL)
A more targeted test for pancreatitis in dogs (cPL) and cats (fPL) than classic amylase and lipase.
Total protein
The sum of albumin and globulins in the blood. It helps assess hydration, liver, kidneys and inflammation.
Triglycerides
Fats in the blood. Often high after a meal, but they can also be linked to the pancreas, thyroid or metabolism.
Urea(BUN, blood urea nitrogen)
A waste product cleared by the kidneys. It rises with kidney problems, but also with dehydration or a protein-rich meal.

Electrolytes and thyroid

Calcium(Ca)
A mineral for bones, muscles and nerves. Changes can be linked to the kidneys, parathyroids or, rarely, tumors.
Chloride(Cl)
A blood salt that follows sodium and acid-base balance. It shifts with vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration.
Magnesium(Mg)
A mineral for muscles and heart. Rarely measured, but it can shift in serious illness or intensive care.
Phosphorus(phosphate, P)
A mineral tied to the kidneys and bones. It often rises when kidney function drops.
Potassium(K)
A salt important for the heart and muscles. Very high or very low values need to be handled quickly.
Sodium(Na)
A salt in the blood tied to fluid balance. It shifts with vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration.
Total T4(T4, thyroxine)
The thyroid hormone. High in older cats (hyperthyroidism), low in dogs (hypothyroidism).

Endocrine and metabolism

ACTH(adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticotropin)
The hormone that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol. It is used in dedicated tests to explore adrenal disease in dogs and cats.
Blood gas analysis(blood gas, ABG, blood pH)
A blood test measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide and acidity. It helps show how well breathing and the internal balance are working in dogs and cats.
Cortisol(stress hormone)
The stress hormone made by the adrenal glands. Values that are too high or too low may point to adrenal disease in dogs and cats.
Dexamethasone(suppression test, corticosteroid)
A corticosteroid also used in a test to assess the adrenal glands. It is not a blood value but part of a screening exam, mainly in dogs.
Insulin
The hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the cells. It is central to diabetes in dogs and cats.
Ketones(ketone bodies, ketonuria)
Substances made when the body burns fat instead of sugar. Their presence can signal poorly controlled diabetes in dogs and cats.
Lactate(lactic acid)
A substance that builds up when tissues get too little oxygen. High values suggest the body is under serious stress, in dogs and cats.
TSH(thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyrotropin)
The hormone that tells the thyroid what to do. It is read alongside T4 to better judge an underactive thyroid, especially in dogs.

Urine and feces

Crystalluria
Crystals in the urine. Sometimes they precede stones, sometimes they are a minor finding tied to diet or sample handling.
Fecal exam(stool test, fecal test)
Testing the stool to look for intestinal parasites, blood or digestive problems.
Hematuria
Blood in the urine. It can come from cystitis, stones, trauma or clotting problems: always worth looking into.
Proteinuria
Protein in the urine. It can be an early sign that the kidneys are struggling.
Specific gravity(USG, urine specific gravity)
How concentrated the urine is. Very dilute urine can mean the kidneys are not concentrating well.
Urine protein/creatinine ratio(UPC, UP/C)
Measures how much protein is lost in the urine. It quantifies proteinuria and tracks kidney health over time.
Urine sediment
The solid part of the urine seen under the microscope: cells, crystals, bacteria. Useful for cystitis and stones.

Infectious tests

FeLV
The feline leukemia virus. It weakens a cat's defenses: a positive result and its management should be discussed with your vet.
FIV
The feline immunodeficiency virus, a kind of 'cat AIDS'. It is managed, not cured, and needs monitoring.
Giardia(giardiasis)
An intestinal parasite that causes diarrhea, common in puppies and kittens. Found in the stool and treated with targeted drugs.
Heartworm(heartworm disease, dirofilariasis)
A parasite spread by mosquitoes that affects a dog's heart and lungs. Better to prevent it than to treat it.
Leishmania
A disease spread by sandflies, mostly in dogs. The test measures the antibodies in the blood.
Parvovirus(parvo, canine parvovirus)
A highly contagious virus in puppies: it causes vomiting and diarrhea, often with blood. It is an emergency, see the vet right away.

Parasites

Anaplasma(anaplasmosis)
A tick-borne microbe that affects blood cells; in dogs it can cause fever, joint pain and low platelets, and is less common in cats.
Coccidia(coccidiosis, Cystoisospora)
Microscopic gut parasites that can cause diarrhea, mainly in puppies and kittens; found with a fecal test.
Ehrlichia(ehrlichiosis)
A tick-borne microbe that infects blood cells; in dogs it can cause fever, low platelets and tiredness, and is rarer in cats.
Fleas(Ctenocephalides)
Tiny insects that live in the coat and feed on blood, causing itching and sometimes allergy; in dogs and cats they can pass on tapeworm if swallowed.
Hookworms(Ancylostoma)
Intestinal worms that hook onto the gut wall and feed on blood, which can cause anemia; most dangerous in puppies and kittens.
Roundworms(Toxocara, ascarids)
Round intestinal worms very common in puppies and kittens; sometimes seen in stool or vomit and checked with a fecal test.
Tapeworm(cestodes, Dipylidium)
A flat intestinal worm whose rice-like segments show up near the anus or in stool; in dogs and cats it often comes from swallowed fleas.
Ticks(Ixodes, Rhipicephalus)
Parasites that attach to the skin to feed on blood and can transmit diseases like ehrlichiosis and Lyme; common in dogs and cats that go outdoors.

Common conditions

Addison's disease(Addison, hypoadrenocorticism)
A shortage of adrenal gland hormones causing weakness, vomiting and sudden crashes; more typical in dogs, with signs that come and go.
Chronic kidney disease(CKD, chronic renal failure)
A slow, progressive loss of kidney function, very common in older cats; often shows up as more drinking and urination and weight loss.
Cushing's syndrome(Cushing, hyperadrenocorticism)
Too much cortisol in the body causing heavy drinking and urination, a pot belly and thin coat; typical of older dogs, rare in cats.
Diabetes mellitus(diabetes)
A disease where the body cannot manage blood sugar well; typical signs are lots of drinking and urination and hunger with weight loss, in both dogs and cats.
FLUTD(feline lower urinary tract disease)
A group of lower urinary tract problems in cats; the pet urinates often, with straining or blood, and sometimes cannot pass urine at all (an emergency).
Obesity(overweight)
Excess body fat that strains joints, heart and metabolism; very common and preventable with diet and exercise, in both dogs and cats.
Osteoarthritis(OA, arthritis, degenerative joint disease)
Chronic wear of the joints causing pain and stiffness; older pets move less and struggle to jump or climb, both dogs and cats.
Otitis(ear infection, otitis externa)
Inflammation of the ear causing itching, head shaking, bad smell or discharge; very common in dogs, often linked to allergies or moisture.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause vomiting, belly pain and loss of appetite; it may follow a very fatty meal, in both dogs and cats.

Heart and breathing

Arrhythmia(irregular heartbeat)
A heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or irregular: it may cause no trouble or point to a heart issue worth checking with an electrocardiogram.
Cardiomyopathy(heart muscle disease, HCM, DCM)
A disease of the heart muscle that changes its shape or strength: the hypertrophic form (HCM) is typical in cats, the dilated form (DCM) more in dogs.
Cough
A forced burst of air to clear the airways: it can come from the bronchi, throat or heart, and if it lasts or comes with breathing trouble it should be checked.
Dyspnea(difficulty breathing, labored breathing)
Hard or labored breathing: the animal struggles to get air and should be seen quickly, since in cats especially it is often a serious sign.
Heart murmur
An extra sound the vet hears with the stethoscope when blood flows turbulently through the heart: sometimes harmless, sometimes a sign of a valve problem, common in older dogs.
Pleural effusion(fluid in the chest)
A buildup of fluid around the lungs, in the chest space, that squeezes them and hampers breathing: in cats it is a common cause of sudden breathing difficulty.
Pulmonary edema(fluid in the lungs)
A buildup of fluid in the lungs that makes breathing hard: often linked to a heart problem, it is an emergency that needs a vet right away.

Skin and eyes

Alopecia(hair loss)
Loss of fur with thinning or bald patches. In dogs and cats it can be due to scratching, parasites, allergies or hormonal imbalances.
Conjunctivitis(pink eye, red eye)
Inflammation of the membrane lining the eye, with redness and discharge. It is common in cats, often linked to infections, and also seen in dogs.
Corneal ulcer(ulcer of the cornea)
A sore on the clear surface of the eye, often painful, with a half-closed watery eye. In dogs and cats it should be seen by the vet promptly.
Dermatitis(skin inflammation)
Inflammation of the skin that can cause redness, itching and crusts. In dogs and cats it has many causes, from allergies to parasites to infections.
Dermatophytosis(ringworm, skin fungal infection)
A fungal infection of skin and fur, with bald patches and crusts. It is common in cats and can spread to other animals and to people.
Itching(pruritus)
The sensation that makes a pet scratch, lick or nibble itself. It is a very common sign of allergies, parasites or skin infections in dogs and cats.

Imaging

Biopsy(histology, histopathology)
Removal of a small piece of tissue examined under the microscope; it gives fuller information than cytology about the nature of a lump or an organ.
Blood smear(blood film, peripheral smear)
A drop of blood spread on a glass slide and viewed under the microscope; it lets the vet see the shape of cells and complete the numbers of the blood count.
CT scan(CT, computed tomography, CAT scan)
A series of X-rays the computer builds into detailed cross-section images; useful for bones, chest and masses, and usually needs sedation in dogs and cats.
Cytology(fine needle aspirate, FNA)
Microscope study of a few cells, often taken with a thin needle from a lump or fluid; a quick first clue about the nature of a mass in dogs and cats.
Echocardiography(echo, cardiac ultrasound, heart scan)
An ultrasound focused on the heart that shows its chambers, valves and beat; helps assess murmurs and heart disease, common in cats and some dog breeds.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)(MRI, MR)
A scan using magnets and radio waves, without X-rays, that shows soft tissues like brain and spinal cord very well; needs anesthesia so the pet stays still.
Radiograph (X-ray)(X-ray, radiography)
An image made with X-rays that mainly shows bones, chest and abdomen; used to spot fractures, swallowed objects or the shape of organs in dogs and cats.
Ultrasound(echo, sonography, ultrasonography)
A test using sound waves to look at soft internal organs like liver, kidneys and bladder in real time; it uses no radiation and is painless for dogs and cats.

Common medications

Antibiotic(antibiotics)
A drug that fights bacterial infections; it should be given for the full course even if the pet seems better, to keep bacteria from becoming resistant.
Antiemetic(anti-nausea drug)
A drug that stops vomiting and nausea, often used with gastroenteritis or during other treatments, so the dog or cat starts eating and drinking again.
Corticosteroids(cortisone, steroids)
Strong drugs against inflammation and allergies; used for controlled periods and never stopped abruptly, in both dogs and cats, to avoid rebound effects.
Fluid therapy(IV fluids, drip)
Giving fluids into a vein or under the skin to rehydrate and support a dehydrated or ill pet; widely used in cats with kidney problems.
Gastroprotectant(stomach protectant, antacid)
A drug that protects the stomach by lowering acidity, used with vomiting, ulcers or alongside other medicines that can irritate it, in dogs and cats.
NSAIDs(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory)
Anti-inflammatory drugs that ease pain and swelling, used for arthritis or after surgery; in cats they must be used very carefully and never combined with steroids.
Painkiller(analgesic)
A drug that relieves pain, used after surgery or in chronic illness; for cats and dogs it must always be chosen by the vet, never taken from human medicines.