A
| ā | Ante (before) |
| A- | Not eating |
| AA | Affected area |
| AAD | Antibiotic-associated diarrhea |
| AAFCO | American Association of Feed Control Officials |
| AAFP | American Association of Feline Practitioners |
| AAHA | American Animal Hospital Association |
| AAHC | Australian Animal Health Council |
| AAVC | American Association of Veterinary Clinicians |
| Ab/AB | Antibody Feline blood group Antibiotic |
| abc or abx | Antibiotics |
| ABC | Arterial blood gas |
| abd/ABD/abdo. | Abdomen |
| ABG | Arterial blood gas |
| ABVP | American Board of Veterinary Practitioners |
| ac, AC | Ante cibum (before a meal) Activated charcoal |
| ACE | Angiotensin-converting enzyme Acepromazine |
| ACEC | Animal Care and Ethics Committee |
| ACL | Anterior cruciate ligament |
| ACS | Altered conscious state |
| ACT | Activated clotting time (blood test) |
| ACTH | Adrenocorticotropic hormone |
| ACV | Acyclovir (antiviral drug) |
| ad., AD | Auris dexter (right ear) |
| AD | Acute distress Atopic dermatitis |
| ADH | Antidiuretic hormone Adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism |
| ad-lib | As much as desired |
| ADR | Adverse drug reaction |
| AF | Atrial fibrillation |
| AFR | Adverse food reaction |
| A:G | Albumin globulin ratio |
| ag, Ag | Antigen |
| AGN | Acute glomerulonephritis |
| a.h. | Alternis horis (every other hour) |
| AHT | Animal health technician |
| AI | Artificial insemination |
| AIT | Allergen immunotherapy |
| AIW | All is well |
| AKI | Acute kidney injury |
| Ala | Alanine |
| ALB | Albumin |
| ALD | Approximate lethal dose |
| ALP | Alkaline phosphatase |
| ALS | Advanced life support |
| ALT | Alanine transaminase |
| altern. d. | Alterno die (every other day) |
| AMA | Against medical advice |
| AML | Acute myeloid leukemia |
| AMP | Ampule |
| AMS | Amylase |
| ANA | Antinuclear antibody |
| ant | Anterior |
| AOR | At the owner’s request |
| AP | Anterior-posterior |
| APAP | Acetaminophen |
| APTT | Activated partial thromboplastin time |
| aq | Water (aqua) |
| ARF | Acute renal failure |
| as, AS | Auris sinister (left ear) |
| ASAVA | Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association |
| ASPCA | American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals |
| AST | Aspartate aminotransferase |
| ATE | Aortic thromboembolism |
| ATP Atp |
Adenosine triphosphate Atypical |
| ATT | at this time |
| au. AU | Auris utraque (both ears) |
| aurist. | Auristillae (ear drops) |
| AUSC | Ante (before) |
| Auscultation | Average |
| AV | Arteriovenous Atrioventricular |
| AVA | Australian Veterinary Association |
| AVSS | Afebrile, vital signs stable |
| A&W | Alive and well |
| Ax | Axillary |
| AXR | Abdominal x-ray |
| AZT | Azidothymidine |
B
| B&A | Bright and alert |
| B4 | Before |
| Ba | Barium |
| BA | Bile acids |
| BAER | Brain stem auditory evoked responses |
| BAL | Dimercaprol Bronchoalveolar lavage |
| BAR | Bright, alert and responsive |
| BARH | Bright, alert, responsive and hydrated |
| Bb/BB | Bordetella bronchiseptica (vaccine) |
| BBB | Blood-brain barrier |
| BBT | Basal body temperature |
| BC | Blood culture Bone condition |
| BCC | Basal cell carcinoma |
| BCP | Blood chemistry profile |
| BCS | Body condition score |
| BEG | Boutique, exotic ingredients, and grain-free (diets) |
| BER | Basal energy requirement |
| BG | Blood glucose |
| BGC | Blood glucose curve |
| BGL | Blood glucose level |
| BID, bid, b.i.d. | Bis in die (twice a day) |
| BIOP | Been in owner’s possession |
| BIW | Twice a week |
| b/l | Bilateral (both sides) |
| BLD | Blood |
| bl. cult | Blood culture |
| BLS | Basic life support |
| BM | Bone marrow Bowel movement |
| BMbx | Bone marrow biopsy |
| BOH | Bucket on head |
| BOT | Base of tail |
| bp, BP | Blood pressure |
| bpm | Beats or breaths per minute |
| BS | Breath sound Bowel sound Blood sugar Body secretions |
| BSL | Blood sugar level |
| BT | Bleeding time |
| BUN | Blood urea nitrogen |
| BV | Bacterial vaginosis |
| BVMS | Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery |
| BVM | Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine |
| BW/BWT | Bodyweight Blood work |
| Bx | Biopsy |
| BZD’s | Benzodiazepines |
C
| C | Centigrade, cervical vertebrae (C1, C2 etc) |
| C & S | Culture and sensitivity |
| Ca, CA | Calcium Cancer Carcinoma |
| CaOx | Calcium oxalate |
| cap | Capsule |
| CAT/CT | Computed axial tomography / Computed tomography |
| Cath. | Catheter |
| CAUTI | Catheter-associated urinary tract infection |
| CBA | Cat bite abscess |
| CBC | Complete blood count Crushed by car |
| cc | Cubic centimetre |
| CCB | Calcium channel blocker |
| CCF | Congestive cardiac failure Complicated crown fracture |
| CDC | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| CCL | Cranial cruciate ligament |
| CDI | Clostridium dLinearifficile infection |
| CDV | Cidofovir (antiviral drug) |
| CE | Clinical exam |
| cf | In comparison to |
| CFA | Cat fight abscess |
| CFC | Cat fight cellulitis |
| CFT | Capillary filling time |
| CFW | Cat fight wound |
| CGH | Can go home |
| CHD | Chronic heart disease Congenital heart defect Congenital hip dysplasia Coronary heart disease |
| CHEM-7 | A basic metabolic panel (blood urea nitrogen, carbon dioxide, creatinine, glucose, serum chloride, serum potassium, serum sodium) |
| CHF | Congestive heart failure |
| CHO | Carbohydrate |
| CHOL, chol | Cholesterol |
| CHOP | Chemotherapy protocol: Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone |
| CI | Contraindicated Confidence interval |
| Cl | Chloride |
| CLL | Cervical line lesion (on a cat’s tooth) |
| CK / CPK | Creatine kinase |
| CKD | Chronic kidney disease |
| CL | Cleft lip |
| CLP | Cleft lip and palate |
| CM | Cardiomyopathy |
| CMI | Cell-mediated immunity |
| CMPS | Composite measure pain score |
| CN | Cranial nerves |
| CNS | Central nervous system |
| CO | Carbon monoxide |
| CO2 | Carbon dioxide |
| COL | Eyelid coloboma |
| COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| COX | Cyclooxygenase |
| CP | Cleft palate |
| CPR | Cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| CRI | Constant rate of infusion |
| Creat | Creatinine |
| crit | Hematocrit |
| CRT | Capillary refill time |
| cs C/S |
Corticosteroids Clinical signs |
| CSD | Cat scratch disease |
| CSF | Cerebrospinal fluid |
| CV | Cardiovascular |
| CVD | Cardiovascular disease |
| CVI | Cervical vertebral instability |
| CVP | Chemotherapy protocol: Cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone |
| CVT | Certified veterinary technician |
| Cx | Clinical signs |
| CXR | Chest X-ray |
| Cysto | Cystocentesis |
D
| D | Diarrhea |
| DAW | Dispense as written |
| DBW | Dog bite wound |
| d/c | Discontinue |
| DCM | Dilated cardiomyopathy |
| DDD | Degenerative disc disease |
| DDL | Dull, depressed, lethargic |
| DDx | Differential diagnosis |
| DER | Dermoid |
| DhWB | Diarrhea with blood |
| DI | Diabetes insipidus |
| DIC | Disseminated intravascular coagulation |
| dil | Dilute |
| DJD | Degenerative joint disease |
| DKA | Diabetic ketoacidosis |
| DLH | Domestic longhair |
| DLT | Dose-limiting toxicity |
| DM | Diabetes mellitus |
| DNA | Deoxyribonucleic acid |
| DNS | Dextrose normal saline (IV solution) |
| DOA | Dead on arrival |
| D/O | Drain out |
| DOI | Duration of immunity |
| D/R | Drain removal |
| drp(s) | Drops |
| DS | Dental score |
| DSH | Domestic shorthair |
| DUDE | Defecating, urinating, drinking and eating |
| Dx | Diagnosis |
E
| E&B | Euthanasia and burial |
| E&C | Euthanasia and cremation |
| EAGS | Empty anal glands |
| EBM | Evidence-based medicine |
| ECF | Extracellular fluid |
| ECG/EKG | Electrocardiogram |
| ED | Every day |
| EDDU | Eating, drinking, defecating and urinating |
| EDUD | Eating, drinking, urinating and defecating |
| EENT | Eyes, ears, nose and throat |
| EFA | Essential fatty acid |
| ELF | Enzyme-labelled fluorescence |
| ELISA | Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay |
| EM | Electron microscopy |
| EOD | Every other day |
| EOFB | Extraocular foreign body |
| Eos | Eosinophil |
| EPG | Eggs per gram of feces |
| EPIT | Epicutaneous immunotherapy |
| EPO | Erythropoietin |
| ER | Emergency room |
| ERG | Electroretinogram |
| ESRD | End-stage renal disease |
| EtOH | Alcohol |
| ETW | Tracheal wash |
| EUGA | Examine under general anesthetic |
| exp | Expired |
F
| F | Fahrenheit Filial (F1, F2 etc) |
| F3 | Feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus and panleukopenia (vaccine) |
| F4 (WA) | Feline vaccination: Enteritis, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Feline leukemia virus |
| F4 (QLD) | Feline vaccination: Enteritis, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydiosis |
| F5 | Feline vaccination: Enteritis, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydiosis, Feline leukemia virus |
| FA | Fluorescent antibody Fatty acids |
| FAD | Flea allergy dermatitis |
| FAST | Focused assessment sonography for trauma |
| FATE | Feline aortic thromboembolism |
| FB | Foreign body |
| FBC | Full blood count |
| FBS | Fasting blood sugar |
| FCK | Flat chested syndrome |
| FCRVP | Feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus and panleukopenia (vaccine) |
| FCS | Feline corneal sequestrum |
| FCV | Feline calicivirus |
| FDA | Food and drug administration |
| Fe | Iron |
| FeBb | Feline Bordetella bronchiseptica |
| FECV | Feline enteric coronavirus |
| Fel | Feline |
| FeL | Feline leishmaniasis |
| FELLC | Feline lymphosarcoma-leukemia complex |
| FeLV | Feline leukemia virus |
| FFP | Fresh frozen plasma |
| FHA | The femoral head and neck osteotomy |
| FHD | Feline heartworm disease |
| FHV | Feline herpesvirus |
| FIA | Feline infectious anemia |
| FIC | Feline idiopathic cystitis |
| FIP | Feline infectious peritonitis |
| FIV | Feline immunodeficiency virus |
| Fl | Fluid Intact female |
| FLUTD | Feline lower urinary tract disease |
| FNA | Fine needle aspirate |
| FOCMA | Feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen |
| FORL | Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion |
| FOS | Full of stool |
| FPP | Feline plasma cell pododermatitis |
| FRV | Feline rhinotracheitis virus Feline rotavirus |
| F/S FS |
Spayed female Fecal smear |
| FSV | Feline sarcoma virus |
| FTT | Failure to thrive |
| F/U | Follow up |
| FUO | Fever of unknown origin |
| FUS | Feline urologic syndrome |
| FVRCP | Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia (F3 vaccine) |
| Fx | Fracture |
G
| GA | General anesthesia |
| GABA | Gamma-aminobutyric acid |
| GAS | Gastroschisis |
| GB | Gallbladder |
| GC | General condition |
| GCV | Ganciclovir (antiviral drug) |
| GDU | Gastroduodenal ulceration |
| GERD | Gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| GFR | Glomerular filtration rate |
| GGT | γ-Glutamyltransferase |
| GH | Growth hormone |
| GI | Gastrointestinal |
| Glu | Glucose |
| gm | Gram |
| GN | Glomerulonephritis |
| GSW | Gunshot wound |
| Gt | Drop |
| Gtt | Drops |
| GU | Gastric ulcer |
| GvH | Graft vs host |
H
| H | Histamine Hemagglutinin |
| H2O | Water |
| H2O2 | Hydrogen peroxide |
| H & M | Hematemesis and melena |
| Hb | Hemoglobin |
| HBC | Hit by car |
| HBP | High blood pressure |
| HCO3 | Bicarbonate |
| HCM | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy |
| Hct/HCT | Hematocrit |
| HD | Hip dysplasia Craniofacial (head) defect |
| HDDST | High dose dexamethasone suppression test |
| HDL | High-density lipoprotein |
| HDM | House dust mite |
| HF | Heart failure |
| Hg/Hgb | Hemoglobin |
| HGE | Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis |
| HH | Hiatus hernia |
| HL | Hepatic lipase |
| H/L | Heart and lungs |
| HLD | Hyperlipidemia |
| H/O | History of |
| HR | Heart rate Hazard ratio |
| HSA | Hemangiosarcoma |
| HSL | Hypertonic saline |
| HT/HTN | Hypertension |
| HVS | Hyperviscosity syndrome |
| HW | Heartworm |
| HWP | Heartworm prevention |
| HWtest | Heartworm test |
| HyperA | Hyperadrenocorticism |
| HyperT4 | Hyperthyroidism |
| Hx | History of |
I
| I | Iodine |
| IBD | Inflammatory bowel disease |
| IC | Immunocompromised Intensive care Interstitial cystitis Immune complex Intracardiac |
| ICA | Iridocorneal angle |
| ICF | Intracellular fluid |
| I & D | Incision and drainage |
| ID | Intradermal |
| IDA | Iron deficiency anemia |
| IDDM | Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus |
| IDST | Intradermal skin testing |
| IDT | Intradermal testing |
| IDU | Idoxuridine (antiviral drug) |
| IFA | Indirect fluorescent antibody |
| IFN | Interferon (antiviral drug) |
| Ig | Immunoglobulin |
| IgA | Immunoglobulin A |
| IgD | Immunoglobulin D |
| IgE | Immunoglobulin E |
| IgG | Immunoglobulin G |
| IGR | Insect growth regulators |
| IHA | Indirect hemagglutination |
| IL | Interleukin |
| ILIT | Intralymphatic immunotherapy |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| IMI | Intramuscular injection |
| IN | Intranasal |
| INH | Inhaled |
| Inj | Injection |
| IOFB | Intraocular foreign body |
| IOL | Intraocular lens |
| IOP | Intraocular pressure |
| IP | Intraperitoneal |
| IPPB | Intermittent positive pressure breathing |
| IQR | Interquartile range |
| ITP | Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia |
| IU | International unit |
| IV | Intravenously |
| IVD/IVDD | Intervertebral disc/disease |
| IVP | Intravenous pyelogram, intravenous pyelography |
| Ix | Investigation |
J
| JPP | Joint protection plan |
| J tube | Jejunostomy tube (feeding tube) |
K
| K | Potassium |
| KA | Ketoacidosis |
| KBH | Kicked by horse |
| KBr | Potassium bromide |
| Kcal | Kilocalories |
| KCS | Keratoconjunctivitis sicca |
| Kg | Kilogram |
| KOH | Potassium hydroxide |
| KTZ | Ketoconazole |
| KUB | Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (x-ray) |
L
| L | Leukocytes Lumbar vertebrae |
| LA | Left atrium Lymphadenopathy Local anesthetic |
| Lac | Laceration Lactate |
| Lap | Laparotomy |
| Lat | Lateral |
| lb | Pound (weight) |
| LBO | Large bowel obstruction |
| LBP | Low back pain |
| LD | Lethal dose |
| LDDST | Low dose dexamethasone suppression test |
| LDL | Low-density lipoprotein |
| LE | Lupus erythematosus |
| LFB | Linear foreign body |
| LFT | Liver function test |
| Lig | Ligament |
| LIU | Lens induced uveitis |
| LH | Luteinising hormone |
| LN | Lymph node |
| LPE | Lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis |
| LR | Lactated Ringers |
| LS | Left side |
| LSA | Lymphosarcoma |
| LUT | Lower urinary tract |
| LV | Left ventricle |
| LVT | Licensed veterinary technician |
| Lytes | Electrolytes |
M
| MAC | Minimal antibiotic concentration |
| MACVs | Member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists |
| MAE | Moves all extremities |
| MC&S | Microscopy (gram stain), culture and sensitivity |
| MCA | Motor car accident |
| MCH | Mean corpuscular hemoglobin |
| MCT | Mast cell tumour |
| MCV | Mean corpuscular volume |
| Meds. | Medications |
| mg | Milligram |
| ml | Millilitre |
| MM | Mucous membranes Multiple myeloma |
| M/N, M(n) | Neutered male |
| MOPP | Chemotherapy protocol: mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone |
| MPL | Medial patella luxation |
| MPV | Mean platelet volume |
| MR | Mitral regurgitation |
| MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging |
| MS | Musculoskeletal |
| mt | Metatarsal bone |
| MTD | Maximum tolerated dose |
| Mx | Monitor Multiple times |
N
| Na | Sodium |
| NaCI | Sodium chloride (normal saline) |
| NAD | No abnormality detected Not actually done |
| NAF | No abnormal findings |
| NDR | Not doing right |
| n/e | Not eating |
| NG Tube | Nasal gastric tube |
| NI | Neonatal isoerythrolysis |
| NKA | No known allergies |
| NM | Neutered male |
| NPO | Nothing by mouth |
| NR | No refill |
| nRBC | Nucleated red blood cells |
| NS | Normal saline |
| NSAIDs | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| NSF | No significant findings |
| NSR | Normal sinus rhythm |
| NSU | No significant change from the last exam |
| NTE | Not to exceed |
| NTI | Non-thyroidal illness |
| N/V | Nausea and vomiting |
| NVL | No visible lesions |
| NWB | Non-weight-bearing |
O
| O | Owner |
| O2 | Oxygen |
| OA | Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) |
| OCD | Obsessive-compulsive disorder Osteodystrophy |
| OCNE | Off colour not eating |
| OD | Oculus dextrous (right eye) Overdose |
| OE | Otitis externa |
| OHE | Ovariohysterectomy |
| OI | Otitis interna |
| OID, oid | Once a day (medicine) |
| OIT | Oral immunotherapy |
| oint. | Ointment |
| OM | Otitis media |
| ONF | Oronasal fistula |
| ONH | Optic nerve head |
| OP | Organophosphate |
| OPP | Organophosphate poisoning |
| OR | Operating room Owner reports Odds ratio |
| OS | Oculus sinister (left eye) |
| OTC | Over the counter |
| OU | Oculus uterque (both eyes) |
| OVH | Ovariohysterectomy (spay) |
| oxytet | Oxytetracycline (antibiotic) |
| Oz | Ounce |
P
| P | Phosphorous |
| PABs | Pre-anesthetic bloods |
| PAF | Platelet-activating factor |
| PALP | Palpitate |
| path. | Pathology |
| Pc | Post cebum (after meals) |
| PCFO | Phone call from owner |
| PCR | Polymerase chain reaction |
| PCV | Packed cell volume Primary care veterinarian |
| PDA | Patent ductus arteriosus |
| PDH | Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism |
| PDx | Provisional diagnosis |
| PE | Physical examination Pectus excavatum |
| PEI | Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency |
| PF | Platelet factor |
| PKD | Polycystic kidney disease |
| Pl Eff | Pleural effusion |
| PLN | Peripheral lymph nodes |
| PLR | Pupillary light reflex |
| Plt | Platelet |
| PO | Per os (by mouth) |
| PPN | Partial parenteral nutrition |
| PRA | Progressive retinal atrophy |
| PRAA | Persistent right aortic arch |
| PRBC | Packed red blood cells |
| PRV | Pseudorabies virus |
| pt | Patient |
| PT | Prothrombin time |
| PTH | Parathyroid hormone |
| PTS | Put to sleep |
| PU/PD | Polyuria/polydipsia |
| Px | Physical examination Prognosis |
Q
| QAR | Quiet, alert, responsive |
| qd, QD | Quaque die (once a day) |
| QID, qid | Quater in die (four times a day or every 6 hours) |
| ql | Quantum libet (as much as desired) |
| QOD | Quaque altera die (every other day) |
| QOL | Quality of life |
| qv | Quantum vis (as much as you please) |
R
| rads | Radiographs |
| RAST | Radioallergosorbent test |
| RBC | Red blood cell count |
| rDVM | Referring veterinarian |
| RDW | Red cell distribution width |
| RNA | Ribonucleic acid |
| ROM | Range of motion |
| RPE | Retinal pigment epithelium |
| RR | Respiratory rate Relative risk |
| RSAT | Rapid slide agglutination test |
| RV | Rabies vaccine |
| Rx | Prescription |
S
| SAP | Serum alkaline phosphatase |
| SBA | Serum bile acids |
| sc, SC | Subcutaneous |
| SCIT | Subcutaneous immunotherapy |
| SD | Standard deviation |
| SF | Spayed female |
| SG | Specific gravity |
| SID | Semel in die (once a day) |
| SLE | Systemic lupus erythematosus |
| SLIT | Sublingual immunotherapy |
| SMZ | Sulfamethazine |
| SPEP | Serum protein electrophoresis |
| sp, spp | Species (singular) / species (plural) |
| sq, SQ | Subcutaneous |
| S/R | Suture removal |
| s/s | Signs and symptoms |
| SSI | Surgical site infection |
| SSRI | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
| Stat | Immediately |
| Sx | Symptoms Surgery |
| SYN | Syndactyly |
T
| T3 | Triiodothyronine |
| T4 | Thyroxine |
| TBIL | Total bilirubin |
| TCC | Transitional cell carcinoma |
| TCS | Total combined score |
| TECA | Total ear canal ablation |
| TFU | Trifluridine |
| TID, t.i.d. | Ter in die (three times a day) |
| TLC | Tender loving care |
| TLI | Trypsin-like immunoreactivity |
| TNTC | Too numerous to count |
| Toxo | Toxoplasmosis |
| TP | Total protein |
| TPN | Total parenteral nutrition |
| TPR | Temperature, pulse and respiration rate |
| TSH | Thyroid-stimulating hormone |
| TT | Thrombin time |
| TTO | Triple tibial osteotomy |
U
| UA | Urinalysis |
| UH | Umbilical hernia |
| UO | Urinary obstruction |
| UOP | Urinary output |
| UPC | Urine protein to creatinine ratio |
| URI | Upper respiratory infection |
| USG | Urine specific gravity |
| UTI | Urinary tract infection |
V
| V+ | Vomiting |
| VCV | Valacyclovir (antiviral drug) |
| VD, V/D | Ventral-dorsal Vomiting and diarrhea |
| VDB | Vidarabine |
| VMD | Veterinary medical doctor |
| VPT | Vital pulp therapy |
| VT | Veterinary technician |
| Vx | Vaccine |
W
| WBC | White blood cell count |
| WB | Western blot (test) |
| WNL | Within normal limits |
X
| XIPH | Everted xiphoid process |
| X-Ray | Radiograph |
Y
| Y | Yes |
Z
| Z | Sleeping |
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