Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals Key Terms

Ensure that your patients know the meanings of veterinarian terms in an easy to understand way
By Casey Holley Veterinary clinics and hospital personnel use many terms that aren't widely known to laypeople. Understanding these terms and the meanings in lay terms can help you and your staff to convey the information your clients need.

In order for a veterinary clinic to be successful, the clients must have confidence in the entire staff. Therefore, every member of your staff should fully understand the terms and be able to explain them to any client, even one without any medical knowledge.

Whelping and queening

Whelping is the term used to describe the birthing process of dogs. Queening is the term used for the cat birthing process.
Try:  DrLarryPetVet.com provides information about whelping and queening. It includes tips to make the whelping experience positive for the dam.

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is a specialized set of x-rays that can be compared to each other in real time. This is used to diagnose intestinal tract problems and joint disorders.
Try:  Mississippi State University offers information on numerous terms used in veterinary clinics and hospitals. This university has various research projects in the veterinary medicine field, which enables it to provide up to date information.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol and other hormones. It is the opposite of Cushing's disease, which is when the glands produce high levels of hormones.
Try:  Washington State University provides a description and other information about Addison's disease.

Fine needle aspiration cytology

A fine needle aspiration cytology is a test in which fluid is drained or cells scraped from an area that is thought to be cancerous. Once the cells or fluid is collected, a preliminary test can determine whether a biopsy must be performed for a definitive diagnosis.
Try:  NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine provides information about fine needle aspiration cytology and the interpretation of them.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition which leads to degenerative joint disease in dogs, and sometimes in cats, that affects the hips. Because this condition is genetic, animals with hip dysplasia shouldn't be bred.
Try:  The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website provides up to date information about hip dysplasia.

Escherichia coli, E. coli

Escherichia coli or E. coli is an intestinal bacteria that can kill animals quickly. It can also be spread to humans. However, the bacteria won't kill the host animal. It will kill the offspring and animals that come in contact with the carrier's feces.
Try:  You can find information about E. coli on the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine website.