Inglês para Medicina Veterinária: Vocabulário e Frases Essenciais

"physical examination"

A systematic hands-on assessment of an animal covering all body systems, used to identify abnormalities and formulate a differential diagnosis list

"A thorough physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 left apical systolic murmur in the eight-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel presenting for an annual wellness visit."

"capillary refill time"

The time taken for colour to return to blanched mucous membranes after digital pressure, normally less than two seconds; abbreviated CRT; used to assess peripheral perfusion

"Capillary refill time was prolonged at three seconds in the collapsed Labrador, along with pale mucous membranes and weak femoral pulses, indicating poor perfusion."

"body condition score"

A standardised numerical system used to assess a patient's body fat reserves and muscle mass, typically scored on a scale of 1 to 9 where 4–5 is ideal; abbreviated BCS

"The geriatric cat presented with a body condition score of 2/9 and palpable muscle wasting over the epaxial muscles, consistent with cachexia secondary to chronic kidney disease."

"auscultation"

The act of listening to internal sounds of the body, particularly the heart and lungs, using a stethoscope to detect murmurs, arrhythmias, crackles, or wheezes

"Auscultation of the thorax revealed bilateral crackles in the ventral lung fields and a gallop rhythm, raising concern for congestive heart failure."

"palpation"

The examination technique of using the hands and fingers to assess body structures for size, consistency, temperature, and pain response

"Abdominal palpation elicited a pain response in the cranial abdomen, and a firm, irregular splenic mass was palpated in the mid-abdomen of the German Shepherd."

"mucous membrane colour"

The colour of visible mucous membranes, especially the gums, used to assess oxygenation and perfusion; normal is pink, abnormal colours include pale, white, yellow, blue, or brick red

"Mucous membrane colour was icteric in the three-year-old Cocker Spaniel, prompting urgent haematology and biochemistry to investigate haemolytic anaemia."

"pulse quality"

The subjective assessment of the strength, regularity, and character of palpable arterial pulses, reflecting cardiac output and vascular tone

"Pulse quality was assessed as bounding on femoral artery palpation in the hyperthyroid cat, consistent with the elevated cardiac output associated with thyrotoxicosis."

"pain scoring"

The systematic assessment and quantification of an animal's pain level using validated species-specific scales such as the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale

"Pain scoring using the Colorado State University Feline Acute Pain Scale gave a score of 3/4, indicating moderate to severe pain requiring immediate analgesic intervention."

"complete blood count"

A panel of laboratory tests evaluating the cellular components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; abbreviated CBC

"A complete blood count revealed a regenerative anaemia with haematocrit of 18%, polychromasia, and reticulocytosis consistent with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia."

"serum biochemistry panel"

A group of blood tests measuring concentrations of key metabolites, enzymes, and electrolytes to assess organ function, particularly the liver, kidneys, and pancreas

"The serum biochemistry panel demonstrated markedly elevated alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, along with hypoalbuminaemia, indicating significant hepatic dysfunction."

"urinalysis"

The physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of a urine sample used to evaluate urinary tract health and systemic metabolic conditions

"Urinalysis revealed a urine specific gravity of 1.010 with 2+ proteinuria and casts in the sediment, consistent with tubular disease in the azotaemic patient."

"fine needle aspirate"

A minimally invasive diagnostic technique in which a needle is inserted into a mass or organ to collect a small sample of cells for cytological examination; abbreviated FNA

"A fine needle aspirate of the submandibular lymph node yielded a highly cellular sample containing large lymphoblasts, raising strong suspicion for multicentric lymphoma."

"histopathology"

The microscopic examination of tissue sections by a pathologist to identify structural and cellular abnormalities, providing a definitive diagnosis of neoplasia or inflammatory disease

"Histopathology of the excised cutaneous mass confirmed a grade 2 mast cell tumour with clean surgical margins and a low mitotic index, indicating a favourable prognosis."

"thoracic radiography"

X-ray imaging of the chest to evaluate cardiac size and shape, pulmonary parenchyma, pleural space, and intrathoracic structures

"Thoracic radiography revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette with a vertebral heart score of 12.5 and interstitial-to-alveolar pulmonary infiltrates consistent with left-sided heart failure."

"differential diagnosis"

A ranked list of possible diagnoses considered for a patient's presenting signs, ordered by likelihood, used to guide diagnostic testing and empirical treatment

"The differential diagnosis for the vomiting cat with abdominal pain included pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, and hepatic disease, prioritised based on clinical and laboratory findings."

"echocardiography"

Ultrasound imaging of the heart used to evaluate cardiac structure, wall motion, valve function, and haemodynamic parameters; the gold standard for diagnosing heart disease

"Echocardiography confirmed myxomatous mitral valve disease at ACVIM stage B2 with left atrial-to-aortic ratio of 1.6 and vertebral heart score of 11.8 in the Cavalier."

"premedication"

The administration of sedative, analgesic, and anticholinergic drugs before induction of anaesthesia to reduce anxiety, provide analgesia, and lower the required dose of induction agents

"Premedication with dexmedetomidine 5 mcg/kg and methadone 0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly provided excellent sedation and pre-emptive analgesia before induction with alfaxalone."

"endotracheal intubation"

Placement of a cuffed tube into the trachea to maintain a patent airway, allow mechanical ventilation, and prevent pulmonary aspiration during general anaesthesia

"Endotracheal intubation was performed with a 9.0 mm cuffed tube after induction; correct placement was confirmed by capnography and bilateral thoracic auscultation."

"ovariohysterectomy"

Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus; the most common elective surgical procedure in female companion animals performed to prevent reproduction and eliminate reproductive diseases

"An ovariohysterectomy was performed on the four-year-old Labrador via ventral midline celiotomy following confirmation of pyometra on ultrasonographic examination."

"aseptic technique"

The set of practices used to prevent microbial contamination of the surgical field, instruments, and patient, including sterile draping, gloving, and instrument preparation

"Strict aseptic technique was maintained throughout the total hip replacement procedure, with the surgical team performing a full surgical scrub and donning sterile gown and gloves."

"intraoperative monitoring"

Continuous assessment of anaesthetised patients using parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, SpO₂, EtCO₂, and body temperature to detect and respond to complications

"Intraoperative monitoring revealed a fall in mean arterial pressure to 45 mmHg during isoflurane maintenance, prompting reduction of the vaporiser setting and a bolus of dopamine."

"wound closure"

The technique of approximating tissue layers after surgery using sutures, staples, or tissue adhesive to restore anatomical integrity and promote primary healing

"Wound closure was performed in three layers — body wall, subcutaneous tissue, and skin — using absorbable sutures for the deeper layers and monofilament for the skin closure."

"celiotomy"

A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity to allow exploration or access for therapeutic procedures; also called laparotomy

"An exploratory celiotomy revealed a splenic haemangiosarcoma with haemoperitoneum, and a splenectomy was performed to achieve haemostasis in the emergency case."

"analgesia protocol"

A planned multimodal pain management regimen combining pre-emptive, intraoperative, and postoperative analgesic drugs and techniques tailored to the anticipated pain level of the procedure

"The analgesia protocol for the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy included preoperative methadone, intraoperative fentanyl infusion, loco-regional nerve block, and postoperative meloxicam with tramadol."

"chronic kidney disease"

Progressive, irreversible deterioration of renal function characterised by azotaemia, reduced urine concentrating ability, and eventual uraemia; staged using the IRIS system; abbreviated CKD

"The fifteen-year-old domestic shorthair was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease IRIS stage 3 based on creatinine of 380 µmol/L, urine specific gravity of 1.018, and mild proteinuria."

"diabetes mellitus"

A metabolic disorder characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency, manifesting as polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and polyphagia

"Diabetes mellitus was confirmed in the nine-year-old neutered male cat with a fasting blood glucose of 22 mmol/L and marked glucosuria without ketonuria on urinalysis."

"inflammatory bowel disease"

A group of chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal disorders characterised by infiltration of the gut wall with inflammatory cells, causing persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss; abbreviated IBD

"Duodenal biopsy confirmed lymphocytic-plasmacytic inflammatory bowel disease in the Border Collie with a six-month history of intermittent vomiting and hypoalbuminaemia."

"hyperthyroidism"

A condition of excess circulating thyroid hormone, most commonly caused by functional thyroid adenoma in middle-aged to older cats, causing weight loss, polyphagia, and tachycardia

"Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed in the twelve-year-old Persian cat based on a total T4 of 180 nmol/L alongside weight loss, polyphagia, and a palpable ventral cervical mass."

"hyperadrenocorticism"

Excess production of cortisol by the adrenal cortex, most commonly due to a pituitary adenoma in dogs; also called Cushing's disease; presents with polyuria, polydipsia, pot-belly, and alopecia

"Hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed with a urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio of 45 and a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test showing failed cortisol suppression in the middle-aged Poodle."

"congestive heart failure"

A clinical syndrome resulting from the heart's inability to meet the body's circulatory demands, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs or body cavities; abbreviated CHF

"The Cavalier presented in acute left-sided congestive heart failure with severe respiratory distress, orthopnoea, and pink frothy fluid at the mouth; furosemide was administered as an emergency measure."

"portosystemic shunt"

An abnormal vascular connection between the portal circulation and systemic veins that bypasses the liver, resulting in hepatic encephalopathy, stunted growth, and urinary ammonium biurate crystals

"A congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt was confirmed by CT angiography in the eight-month-old Yorkshire Terrier with post-prandial neurological signs and hyperammonaemia."

"immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia"

A life-threatening condition in which the immune system destroys red blood cells, causing regenerative anaemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly; abbreviated IMHA

"Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia was diagnosed in the Cocker Spaniel with a haematocrit of 12%, strongly positive saline agglutination, and spherocytes on blood film examination."

"non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug"

A class of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis; widely used for pain management and fever reduction; abbreviated NSAID

"Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was prescribed at 0.1 mg/kg once daily with food for five days to manage postoperative pain following the orthopaedic repair."

"antimicrobial stewardship"

A coordinated approach to optimising antibiotic selection, dosing, route, and duration to treat infections effectively while minimising the development of antimicrobial resistance

"In line with antimicrobial stewardship principles, a culture and sensitivity test was performed before initiating amoxicillin-clavulanate for the dog's recurrent urinary tract infection."

"fluid therapy"

The intravenous or subcutaneous administration of crystalloid or colloid solutions to restore circulating volume, correct dehydration, and maintain electrolyte and acid-base balance

"Fluid therapy with Hartmann's solution at 10 mL/kg/hour was initiated in the dehydrated, azotaemic cat, with reassessment of hydration status and renal parameters planned at four hours."

"corticosteroid therapy"

Treatment with synthetic glucocorticoid drugs such as prednisolone or dexamethasone, used for their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects in allergic, immune-mediated, and inflammatory diseases

"Corticosteroid therapy with prednisolone at 2 mg/kg/day was initiated for the dog with immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia, alongside gastroprotective omeprazole cover."

"compounding"

The preparation of customised pharmaceutical formulations by a licensed pharmacist to meet specific patient needs not met by commercially available products, such as flavoured oral suspensions

"Compounding of methimazole into a transdermal ear gel formulation was requested for the hyperthyroid cat whose owner was unable to administer oral medication."

"therapeutic drug monitoring"

Measurement of drug concentrations in blood to ensure levels fall within the target therapeutic range, optimising efficacy and minimising toxicity

"Therapeutic drug monitoring of phenobarbitone was performed two weeks after dose adjustment in the epileptic Labrador, confirming a serum level of 28 mg/L within the target range of 20–40 mg/L."

"off-label drug use"

The use of a licensed pharmaceutical product for a species, condition, dose, or route not included in the product's marketing authorisation, requiring informed owner consent in veterinary practice

"Off-label drug use of gabapentin at 5–10 mg/kg twice daily was discussed with the owner as an adjunct analgesic for the cat's chronic musculoskeletal pain."

"antiparasitic treatment"

The use of anthelmintic, ectoparasiticide, or antiprotozoal agents to eliminate internal or external parasites; a cornerstone of preventive veterinary medicine

"A combination antiparasitic treatment providing coverage against fleas, ticks, ear mites, and gastrointestinal helminths was dispensed at the annual health check."

"vaccination protocol"

A scheduled programme specifying the vaccines to be administered, their timing, and frequency, categorised into core vaccines recommended for all animals and non-core vaccines given based on risk

"The WSAVA vaccination protocol for the new puppy included primary distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies vaccines, with a booster schedule individualised to lifestyle risk factors."

"informed consent"

The process of providing a client with sufficient information about a proposed diagnostic or treatment procedure, including risks, benefits, and alternatives, to enable a competent decision

"Informed consent was obtained from the owner before proceeding with the splenectomy, covering the surgical risks, anaesthetic considerations, and the histopathology recommendation for the excised mass."

"wellness examination"

A routine health check for apparently healthy animals at recommended intervals to detect subclinical disease, update preventive care, and counsel owners on nutrition and behaviour

"A wellness examination at the annual visit revealed an early stage 2 dental disease in the otherwise healthy eight-year-old cat, and a dental prophylaxis was scheduled."

"zoonotic disease"

An infectious disease transmissible between animals and humans, of public health significance; veterinarians have a duty to inform clients about zoonotic risks associated with their pets

"The client was counselled about the zoonotic disease risk posed by the Toxoplasma-positive cat, particularly for the pregnant family member who had been handling the litter tray."

"euthanasia"

The deliberate, humane induction of death using an overdose of anaesthetic agent, used when an animal is suffering with no reasonable prospect of recovery or acceptable quality of life

"After discussion of the prognosis, quality of life, and treatment options, the family made the compassionate decision for euthanasia, which was performed with pentobarbital intravenously."

"triage"

The rapid initial assessment and prioritisation of emergency patients based on the severity of their condition to determine the order and urgency of clinical attention

"On triage, the dyspnoeic cat was immediately moved to the oxygen chamber and assessed as a category 1 emergency due to open-mouth breathing and cyanotic mucous membranes."

"medical record"

The written or electronic documentation of a patient's history, physical examination findings, diagnostic results, diagnoses, and treatment plans, essential for continuity of care and medicolegal purposes

"An accurate medical record was completed immediately after the consultation, documenting the SOAP format — subjective, objective, assessment, and plan — for the chronic disease management case."

"referral"

The transfer of a patient to a specialist veterinarian or referral centre for advanced diagnostics, specialist surgical procedures, or management beyond the scope of general practice

"A referral to a board-certified veterinary cardiologist was made for the dog with suspected occult dilated cardiomyopathy found on routine auscultation at the wellness visit."