There are a lot of acronyms used in the medical field. One area where we use abbreviations frequently is with the blood work and laboratory tests we run. In this three part series of blogs, we will look at some of the different abbreviations and acronyms we use so you can speak the lingo with us! In this third part of the series, we will discuss other miscellaneous tests we use in veterinary medicine. One of the more common additional tests we use is the T4, or thyroid test. Dogs tend to get a low T4 as they age, and this can cause changes in weight, appetite, and haircoat. Cats on the other hand, tend to get an elevated T4, which can cause vomiting, weight loss, increased appetite, increased vocalization, and/or increased activity level. Thyroid function is important for metabolism, but can also cause heart, skin, or GI tract issues when not in the normal range. Another very common test we perform is the urinalysis, or UA. This test looks at the specific gravity (concentration) of the urine, checks for sugar or ketones in the urine indicating diabetes, as well as looking for red or white blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and pH. It can show things such as possible bladder stones, urinary tract […]
Read PostThere are a lot of acronyms used in the medical field. One area where we use abbreviations frequently is with the blood work and laboratory tests we run. In this three part series of blogs, we will look at some of the different abbreviations and acronyms we use so you can speak the lingo with us! This second part of the series will focus on the chemistry profile or chem. It is a test that looks at liver and kidney values, proteins, blood sugar, and sometimes electrolytes. There are a number of liver enzymes that we can look at. ALP, or alkaline phosphatase, ALT, alanine aminotransferase, and AST, aspartate aminotransferase are three of the main liver enzymes we look at. Elevations can indicate inflammation in the body or GI tract, can indicate liver disease, or they can be elevated with other disease processes such as gall bladder disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or Cushing’s disease. Some medications can also cause liver enzyme elevations. In some growing puppies and kittens these can be elevated as well with bone growth. Total bilirubin or T bili, or bili, is a liver enzyme that is associated with the gall bladder. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of blood, and is metabolized into bile, which is excreted into the GI […]
Read PostThere are a lot of acronyms used in the medical field. One area where we use abbreviations frequently is with the blood work and laboratory tests we run. In this three part series of blogs, we will look at some of the different abbreviations and acronyms we use so you can speak the lingo with us! This first part of the series will focus on the CBC. CBC stands for complete blood count. It is a test that looks at the numbers, shapes, color, age, and types of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. Red blood cells or RBCs are used by the body to circulate oxygen, which is carried by hemoglobin. A CBC also looks at hemoglobin amount. Too low of a red blood cell count is called anemia. Blood loss, lack of production, and increased consumption of red blood cells can all lead to an anemia. Blood loss can occur from injuries (cuts, punctures), trauma, bleeding ulcers, nose bleeds, etc. A lack of production is usually indicative of a bone marrow problem, or sometimes it can be seen with severe kidney disease. Increased consumption can occur if there was a past bleeding event, or if there are tumors destroying blood cells, or in auto immune diseases affecting the […]
Read PostHeritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
12624 Base Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.