Comprehensive Veterinary Nursing and Medical Study Guide: Canine and Feline

Veterinary Medical Acronyms and Common Abbreviations

• AAHA: American Animal Hospital Association.

• AAFCO: American Association of Feed Control Officials.

• Ab: Antibody.

• ABVP: American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

• ACE: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme.

• ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone.

• AD: Right Ear.

• ADH: Antidiuretic Hormone.

• ADR: "Ain't Doin' Right."

• AGID: Agar Gel Immunodiffusion.

• AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

• ALP / ALT: Alkaline Phosphatase / Alanine Aminotransferase (Liver enzymes).

• ANA: Antinuclear Antibody.

• ARDS: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

• AS: Left Ear.

• AST: Aspartate Aminotransferase.

• AU: Both Ears.

• AUC: Area Under the Curve.

• AUS: Abdominal Ultrasound Exam.

• AVMA: American Veterinary Medical Association.

• BAR: Bright, Alert, Responsive.

• BCS: Body Condition Score.

• BDLD: Big Dog Little Dog.

• BLS: Basic Life Support.

• BID: Two Times a Day.

• BPM: Beats per Minute.

• BP: Blood Pressure.

• BUN: Blood Urea Nitrogen.

• BW / Bx: Body Weight / Biopsy.

• C-1 to C-7: Cervical Vertebrae.

• CBC: Complete Blood Count.

• CBF: Cerebral Blood Flow.

• CFU: Colony Forming Unit.

• CHF: Congestive Heart Failure.

• CN I-XII: Cranial Nerves I through XII.

• CNS: Central Nervous System.

• CP: Conscious Proprioception.

• CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

• CRTZ: Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone.

• CSF: Cerebral Spinal Fluid.

• CVP: Central Venous Pressure.

• D+: Diarrhea.

• DES: Diethylstilbestrol.

• DHPPL: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Lepto.

• DI: Diabetes Insipidus.

• DIC: Disseminated Intravascular Hemolysis.

• DJD: Degenerative Joint Disease.

• DLE: Discoid Lupus Erythematosus.

• DM: Diabetes Mellitus.

• DNR: Do Not Resuscitate.

• DOA: Dead on Arrival.

• DSH: Domestic Short Hair.

• Ddx: Differential Diagnosis.

• ECF: Extracellular Fluid.

• EEG / EKG: Electroencephalogram / Electrocardiogram.

• ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

• EPI: Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.

• EPO: Erythropoietin.

• FAD: Flea Allergy Dermatitis.

• FeLV: Feline Leukemia Virus.

• FHV: Feline Herpes Virus.

• FIP: Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

• FIV: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

• FLUTD: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.

• FNA: Fine Needle Aspirate.

• FORL: Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion.

• FUO: Fever of Unknown Origin.

• FUS: Feline Urologic Syndrome.

• Fx: Fracture.

• FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calici Panleukopenia Virus.

• GDV: Gastric Dilatation Volvulus.

• GME: Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis.

• HBC: Hit by Car.

• HGE: Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis.

• HOD: Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy.

• HPA: Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis.

• HPF: High Power Field.

• Hx: History.

• IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

• IM / IP / IV: Intramuscular / Intraperitoneal / Intravenous.

• KCS: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca.

• LRS: Lactated Ringer's Solution.

• NPO: None Per Os (Nothing by mouth).

• NSAID: Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory.

• O.D. / O.S. / O.U.: Right eye / Left eye / Both eyes.

• PCV: Packed Cell Volume.

• PUPD: Polyuria, Polydipsia.

• Q.I.D.: Four Times a Day.

• SID: Once a Day.

• T.I.D.: Three Times a Day.

• USG: Urine Specific Gravity.

Veterinary Directional Terms

• Mesial: In or near the middle of the dental arch.

• Axial: Pertaining to the axial skeleton (head, spine, ribcage).

• Sagittal: A plane parallel to the median plane, separating the body into right and left sides.

• Oblique: Slanted or inclined plane.

• Transverse: Separates the body into front and back parts.

• Lateral: Pertaining to a side.

• Ventral: Pertaining to the belly or underside (Opposite: Dorsal).

• Dorsal: Pertaining to the back or top of the body (Opposite: Ventral).

• Cranial: Pertaining to the head.

• Caudal: Pertaining to the hind end or tail.

• Frontal: Plane that separates the body into top and bottom.

• Rostral: Pertaining to the nose.

• Palmar: Pertaining to the pads/bottoms of the front feet.

• Plantar: Pertaining to the pads/bottoms of the back feet.

Medical Math and Conversions

• Weight Conversions:

  • Pounds to Kilograms: Divide by $2.2$. Example: $25\,\text{lb} \div 2.2 = 11.36\,\text{kg}$.

  • Kilograms to Pounds: Multiply by $2.2$. Example: $10\,\text{kg} \times 2.2 = 22\,\text{lb}$.

  • Ounces to Pounds: Divide by $16\,\text{oz/lb}$. Example: $4.4\,\text{oz} \div 16 = 0.275\,\text{lb}$.

  • Kilograms to Grams: Multiply by $1000$.

  • Grams to Milligrams: Multiply by $1000$.

  • Milligrams to Micrograms: Multiply by $1000$.

• Liquid and Solution Calculations:

  • Percentage to Concentration: Add a zero to the percentage to get mg/ml. $1\% = 10\,\text{mg/ml}$, $10\% = 100\,\text{mg/ml}$.

  • C1V1 = C2V2 Formula: Concentration 1 $\times$ Volume 1 = Concentration 2 $\times$ Volume 2. Use for spiking fluid bags (e.g., adding $50\%$ dextrose to a bag to reach $5\%$).

  • CRI Spike Calculation: $\frac{\text{Concentration Wanted}}{\text{Concentration on Hand}} \times \text{Volume Wanted} = \text{Volume to Add}$.

• Common Units:

  • $1\,\text{kg} = 1000\,\text{g} = 1000\,\text{ml} = 1\,\text{L}$.

  • $1\,\text{tsp} = 5\,\text{ml}$.

  • $1\,\text{Tbs} = 15\,\text{ml}$.

  • $1\,\text{cup} = 8\,\text{oz} = 240\,\text{ml}$.

  • $1\,\text{cc} = 1\,\text{ml}$.

  • $1\,\text{grain} = 64.8\,\text{mg}$.

  • $1\,\text{ml} = 20\,\text{drops}$.

• Temperature Formulas:

  • Celsius: $(\text{deg F} - 32) \times \frac{5}{9}$.

  • Fahrenheit: $(\text{deg C} \times \frac{9}{5}) + 32$.

• Continuous Rate Infusion (CRI) Example:

  • A $5\,\text{kg}$ dog needs $2\,\text{mg/kg/day}$ of Metoclopramide added to $1\,\text{L}$ of fluids delivered at $22\,\text{ml/hr}$.

  • Step 1: $5\,\text{kg} \times 2\,\text{mg/kg/day} = 10\,\text{mg/day}$.

  • Step 2: $10\,\text{mg} \div 24\,\text{hr} = 0.42\,\text{mg/hr}$.

  • Step 3: Bag life is $1000\,\text{ml} \div 22\,\text{ml/hr} = 45.45\,\text{hr}$.

  • Step 4: Total mg needed in bag: $45.45\,\text{hr} \times 0.42\,\text{mg/hr} = 19.09\,\text{mg}$.

  • Step 5: Volume of $5\,\text{mg/ml}$ stock to add: $19\,\text{mg} \div 5\,\text{mg/ml} = 3.8\,\text{ml}$.

Diagnostic Lab Tests and Interpretation

• Liver Function Tests:

  • Bile Acids: Used to investigate possible liver shunts. Measures how the liver handles bile pre- and post-prandial.

  • ALT / AST: Increases indicate liver cell damage. Cat half-life is very short (hours).

  • ALKP: Increases indicate cholestasis, Cushing's, or steroid use (dogs only).

• Kidney Function Tests:

  • UPC (Urine Protein:Creatinine Ratio): Measures protein leakage across the nephron. Elevated UPC indicates renal damage.

  • USG (Urine Specific Gravity): Tests concentration ability. First A.M. is best. Normal > $1.030$ (dog), > $1.035$ (cat).

  • BUN / Creatinine: Increases with kidney disease, dehydration, or obstruction. Creatinine is not affected by protein diet.

• Pancreatic Tests:

  • Spec cPL: Quantitative test for canine pancreatitis. Values > $400$ are consistent with disease.

  • TLI (Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity): Low values indicate Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).

  • PLI (Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity): Elevated in pancreatitis.

• Adrenal / Endocrine Tests:

  • ACTH Stim: Detects low (Addison's) or overactivity (Cushing's).

  • LDDS (Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression): Determines if over-activity is pituitary or adrenal dependent Cushing's.

  • T4 / Free T4: T4 is susceptible to suppression by non-thyroidal illness; Free T4 by dialysis is more accurate.

Hematology and Blood Film Evaluation

• RBC Morphology (Poikilocytes):

  • Acanthocytes: Irregularly spiculated, blunt tips. Seen in Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), liver disease, DIC.

  • Echinocytes: Regularly spiculated. Often artifact or secondary to snake bites/bee stings.

  • Schistocytes: RBC fragments from altered blood flow (Liver shunt, DIC, Vascular changes).

  • Spherocytes: Small, round RBCs without central pallor. Hallmark of IMHA (dogs only; cannot identify in cats).

  • Eccentrocytes: Hemoglobin shifted to one side; suggests oxidative injury (Onions, Zinc).

  • Heinz Bodies: Oxidative injury to hemoglobin (Onion toxicity, Propofol in cats). Best seen with New Methylene Blue.

• WBC Leukogram Patterns:

  • Stress Leukogram: Mediated by steroids. Pattern: Neutrophilia, Lymphopenia, Eosinopenia, Monocytosis.

  • Physiologic Leukogram: Mediated by Epinephrine. Characterized by mature neutrophilia and lymphocytosis.

  • Left Shift: Presence of immature neutrophils (bands). Regenerative if mature > immature; Degenerative if immature > mature.

• Corrected WBC Formula:

  • $\text{Corrected WBC} = \text{Obtained Nucleated Cell Count} \times \frac{100}{\text{nRBC} + 100}$.

Urinalysis and Crystal Identification

• Struvite (Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate): Coffin-lid shape. Common in alkaline urine. Dogs: Often result of urease-positive bacteria. Cats: Can be sterile.

• Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate: Square with intersecting lines (envelope). Form in any pH. Predisposed: Miniature Schnauzers.

• Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate: "Picket fence" form is characteristic of Ethylene Glycol toxicity. Also seen as hemp seed or dumb-bell shapes.

• Ammonium Biurate: "Thorny apple" appearance. Yellowish-brown. Seen in Dalmatians/Bulldogs or animals with liver shunts.

• Cystine: Hexagonal (6-sided) flat plates. Genetic dysfunction in renal tubule reabsorption.

• Bilirubin: Normal in concentrated dog urine; ALWAYS abnormal in cats (suggests liver disease).

Parasitology: Internal and External

• Nematodes:

  • Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum): $60 \times 40\,\mu m$. Causes anemia and ill thrift. Zoonotic (Cutaneous Larva Migrans).

  • Roundworm (Toxocara canis/cati): $80 \times 85\,\mu m$. "Spaghetti" appearance. Zoonotic (Visceral/Ocular Larva Migrans).

  • Whipworm (Trichuris vulpis): $90 \times 44\,\mu m$. Football-shaped with symmetrical bipolar plugs.

  • Giardia: Protozoa. Trophozoite looks like a "monkey face" with a jerky motion. Cyst is $8-12\,\mu m$. Treatment: Fenbendazole or Metronidazole.

• External Parasites:

  • Sarcoptes scabiei (Scabies): Zoonotic. Extremely pruritic. Pinnal-pedal reflex positive.

  • Demodex: "Cigar-shaped" mite. Found in hair follicles. Not contagious.

  • Otodectes cynotis: Ear mites. Identify on mineral oil swab. "Suction cups" on legs.

  • Ctenocephalides felis (Flea): Causes pruritus and miliary dermatitis. Intermediate host for Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum).

Pharmacology: Common Medications

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories):

  • Mechanism: Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis via COX enzymes. Never give with steroids. 72-hour washout period required.

  • Drugs: Carprofen (Rimadyl), Meloxicam (Metacam), Deracoxib (Deramaxx), Grapiprant (Galliprant).

  • Caution: Cats have a deficiency in Glucuronyl Transferase, leading to slow clearance of NSAIDs.

• Steroids (Corticosteroids):

  • Potency: Prednisone/Prednisolone ($4\times$ Hydrocortisone), Dexamethasone ($30\times$ Hydrocortisone).

  • Note: Cats must use Prednisolone directly as they do not convert Prednisone efficiently.

• Antibiotic Classes:

  • Penicillins: Amoxicillin, Clavamox (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate). B-lactams.

  • Cephalosporins: Cefazolin, Cephalexin, Cefovecin (Convenia - long acting 14 days).

  • Fluoroquinolones: Enrofloxacin (Baytril), Marbofloxacin. High priority; Enrofloxacin can cause blindness in cats at doses > $5\,\text{mg/kg}$.

  • Tetracyclines: Doxycycline. Can cause esophageal strictures in cats (always follow with water).

  • Nitroimidazole: Metronidazole. Bactericidal for anaerobes/Giardia. Neurotoxic at high doses.

Cardiology and ECG Interpretation

• Antiarrhythmic Classes:

  • Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): Lidocaine (Ventricular arrhythmias), Mexiletine.

  • Class II (Beta Blockers): Atenolol, Propranolol.

  • Class III (Potassium Channel Blockers): Sotalol, Amiodarone.

  • Class IV (Calcium Channel Blockers): Diltiazem.

• AV Blocks:

  • 1st Degree: Prolonged P-R interval ( > 0.14\,\text{s} in dogs). Benign.

  • 2nd Degree: Some P waves unconducted. Mobitz Type I (variable P-R) vs Type II (Fixed, serious).

  • 3rd Degree: No association between P and QRS. Complete dissociation. Requires pacemaker.

• Specific Rhythms:

  • Atrial Fibrillation: Lack of P waves, "F" wave baseline, irregular R-to-R interval.

  • Ventricular Tachycardia: Wide, bizarre QRS complexes. Treat with Lidocaine if sustained > $30\,\text{s}$.

  • Electrical Alternans: Precordial effusion. QRS size alternates as heart moves in fluid.

Emergency Conditions and Disease Management

• Addisonian Crisis (Hypoadrenocorticism):

  • Signs: Hypovolemia, high K+, low Na+, low glucose.

  • Treatment: Correct shock with fluids (LRS/NaCl). Supplement glucocorticoids (Dexamethasone $0.2\,\text{mg/kg}$ IV). Maintain with DOCP (Percorten-V) and Prednisone.

• Diabetes Mellitus:

  • Goal: Control glucose below renal threshold ( < 200\,\text{mg/dl} dog, < 250-300\,\text{mg/dl} cat).

  • Somogyi Phenomenon: Rebound hyperglycemia after BG drops < 60\,\text{mg/dl}.

  • DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis): Medical emergency. Requires hydration, electrolyte correction (K and Phos), and regular insulin CRI.

• Top Toxins:

  • Grapes/Raisins: Renal failure. Toxic dose $0.32-0.65\,\text{oz/kg}$. Treatment: Emesis, charcoal, IVF for $48\,\text{hr}$.

  • Xylitol: Hypoglycemia and liver failure. Treat with Dextrose and monitor BG hourly.

  • Ethylene Glycol: Acute renal failure. High mortality (90% in cats). Antidote: 4MP (Fomepizole) or Ethanol.

  • Lilies: Acute renal failure in cats. Even one leaf/pollen is toxic.