Glossary Terms
-Penia
Suffix meaning decreased below the reference interval, particularly applying to various types of leukocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
-Philia
Suffix meaning increased above the reference interval, particularly applying to various types of leukocytes. Lymphocytes are an exception as an increase in number is referred to as lymphocytosis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
2,3-BPG
2,3-bisphosphoglycerate; also called 2,3-DPG or 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. Molecule involved in regulating oxygen affinity of hemoglobin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Abdominocentesis
Process of obtaining abdominal fluid for cytologic evaluation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Acanthocyte
Erythrocyte with little central pallor and several irregular membrane projections.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Acidemia
Decrease in blood pH below normal.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Acidosis
Process that adds acid (H+) to the blood or removes base (HCO3-); blood pH may or may not be decreased.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
ACT
Activated clotting time; cage-side diagnostic test used to evaluate the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Actin
Erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Morphology
Acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia
Type of lymphoid neoplasm in which there are increased numbers of lymphoblasts in bone marrow and peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Acute myeloid neoplasia
Type of non-lymphoid bone marrow derived neoplasm in which there are high numbers of blast cells in the bone marrow, cell lineage may not be obvious based on morphology alone, and the clinical course is often rapidly deteriorating following diagnosis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Agglutination
Clumping of erythrocytes due to antibody interactions. Must be differentiated from rouleaux formation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Albumin
Most abundant plasma protein in health; maintains oncotic pressure.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Chapter 13 – Lipid Structure and Transport
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Alkalemia
Increase in blood pH above normal.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Alkalosis
Process that adds base (HCO3–) to the blood or removes acid (H+); blood pH may or may not be increased.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 9 – Acid-base and Electrolyte Disturbances
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Anaplastic
Poorly differentiated.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Anemia
Decrease in hematocrit (PCV) recognized on the complete blood count (CBC); usually hemoglobin concentration and RBC numbers are also decreased.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Anemia, nonregenerative
Anemia in which the bone marrow does not respond by producing more RBCs; there are many reasons why this may occur including bone marrow injury, chronic renal and inflammatory disease.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Anemia, regenerative
Anemia in which the bone marrow responds appropriately by increasing the production of RBCs; polychromasia (except horses) and often macrocytosis are seen in peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Anion gap
Difference between unmeasured anion and cation concentrations, calculated using the formula: (Na+ + K+) minus (Cl- + HCO3-.)
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 6 – Classification of Acid-Base Abnormalities
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Anions
Ions with a negative charge.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Anisocytosis
Variation in cell size.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Anisokaryosis
Variation in nuclear size.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Ankyrin
Erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Morphology
Anticoagulation
System vital for the regulation of coagulation; helps ensure coagulation occurs only when appropriate and to the correct degree. Includes the fibrinolytic system.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
APTT
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time; see PTT.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Azotemia
Increases serum urea and/or creatinine.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Body Water, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Azurophilic granule
See Primary granule.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
B lymphocyte
Lymphocyte involved in humoral immunity; may differentiate into a plasma cell.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Band 3
Erythrocyte transmembrane protein; now called AE1, anion exchange channel.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Band 4.1
Erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Band neutrophil
Immature neutrophil with an unsegmented (band-shaped) nucleus.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Base excess
Amount of acid or base that needs to be added to bring the pH of blood back to normal.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Basket cell
Ruptured cell visible on blood smear; neoplastic cells are often fragile and prone to rupture. May also be called a smudge cell.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Basopenia
Decrease in the number of basophils in peripheral blood. May not be detectable given the reference intervals.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Basophil
Granulocyte with variably-sized, dark purple (basophilic) cytoplasmic granules and an irregularly lobulated nucleus; important in hypersensitivity reactions.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Basophilia
Increase in the number of basophils in peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Basophilic stippling
Presence of small, blue, punctate inclusions in RBCs, representing aggregated ribosomes. May be seen with regenerative anemia especially in cattle, but also in dogs and cats. Occasionally seen with lead toxicity but with no or only mild accompanying anemia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Bence Jones proteins
Immunoglobulin light chains present in the urine; associated with malignant plasma cell tumor (plasma cell sarcoma.)
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Bile acids
Formed in the liver from cholesterol and excreted into the intestine to aid the digestion of fats. Measurement after a meal can be useful in evaluating hepatic function.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Chapter 13 – Lipid Structure and Transport
Bilirubin
Break-down product of hemoglobin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Bilirubin, conjugated
Water soluble form of bilirubin that can be excreted in bile or filtered by the kidney. Conjugation occurs in the liver and, in the dog, the renal tubules. Reported as direct bilirubin on biochemical panels.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Bilirubin, delta
Also called biliprotein; conjugated bilirubin that is protein bound and thus persists in the blood for a longer time.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Bilirubin, unconjugated
Insoluble form of bilirubin that is not filtered by the kidneys. Reported as indirect bilirubin on biochemical panels.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Biopsy
Technique used to obtain small pieces of tissue for histologic examination.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Expected Results According to Hepatic Disorder
Chapter 11 – Specialized Tests of Muscle Damage
Blast cell
Immature cell of any hemopoietic cell line, usually containing a nucleolus; may be further described by cell type, e.g. lymphoblast, erythroblast.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Blast count
Number of blast cells (usually described as a percentage of total cells and used as a criterion to differentiate acute from chronic hemopoietic neoplasms).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Bleeding time
Also called buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT); diagnostic test used to assess primary hemostasis and platelet function. BMBT is not indicated when bleeding is attributed to thrombocytopenia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Bone marrow
Organ responsible for production of hemopoietic cells; found in the medullary cavity, especially the ends of long bones (e.g. femur) and flat bones (e.g. the pelvis, sternum.)
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Bronchoalveolar lavage
Process of using a saline flush delivered by endoscope to obtain a sample of the cells within the alveoli and terminal bronchioles.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Buffy coat
The buff-colored layer, containing leukocytes and platelets, that separates red blood cells from plasma when peripheral blood is centrifuged.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Buffy coat preparation
Smear made from a concentrated preparation of peripheral blood leukocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Cachexia
State of extreme wasting, secondary to severe chronic illness.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Calcitonin
Hormone produced by the parathyroid gland that acts to decrease serum calcium levels.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Carcinoma
Malignant neoplasm of epithelial origin, e.g. squamous cell carcinoma.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Cascade model of coagulation
Traditional model of coagulation comprising sequential activation of clotting factors in the intrinsic, extrinsic, and common pathways.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Cations
Ions with a positive charge.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Central pallor
Pale region in the center of an erythrocyte.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Cholestasis
Impaired bile flow.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Hepatobilary System
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Cholesterol
Lipid used to form cell membranes, steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Morphology
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Type of lymphoid neoplasm in which there are increased numbers of small lymphocytes in bone marrow and peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chronic myeloid neoplasm
Type of non-lymphoid bone marrow derived neoplasm in which there are lower numbers of blast cells in the bone marrow (compared to the acute form), cell lineage can be determined based on morphology, and the clinical course is protracted following diagnosis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chylomicron
Water soluble molecule used for triglyceride transport.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 13 – Lipid Structure and Transport
Chylous effusion
Fluid accumulation due to the leakage of chyle; contains primarily small lymphocytes and triglycerides.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Circulating pool
Freely circulating neutrophils in the peripheral blood; sampled when blood is drawn.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Cirrhosis
Result of chronic hepatic disease; involves a loss of normal architecture, extensive fibrosis, and nodular regeneration.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatocellular Injury
Coagulation
See Secondary hemostasis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Hepatobilary System
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Coagulation factor
Any of several plasma components essential for secondary hemostasis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Coagulopathy
Defect in secondary hemostasis (coagulation).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Codocyte
Erythrocyte with an increased ratio of cell membrane to hemoglobin content, which results in a central bulge and a “bull’s eye” appearance.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Common pathway
Final component of the cascade model of coagulation; initiated by the activation of factor X by both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and terminating in the production of cross-linked fibrin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Common progenitor cell
Referring to either common myeloid progenitors, which will develop into erythrocytes, megakaryocytes, and all leukocytes (except lymphocytes), or common lymphoid progenitors, which will develop into lymphocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Contact factor
Factor involved in initiating the intrinsic pathway: HMWK, prekallikrein, and factor XII.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Creatine kinase
Enzyme that is released into the peripheral blood following muscle injury.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatocellular Injury
Chapter 11 – Routine Tests of Muscle Damage
Criteria of malignancy
Any of a variety of changes in cell morphology that are seen in malignant cells, e.g. anisokaryosis, multiple nucleoli, high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Cystocentesis
Method of urine collection involving insertion of a needle directly into the urinary bladder via the abdominal cavity, bypassing the lower urinary tract.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Cytology
Microscopic examination of unfixed solid tissue or fluid samples.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Endocrine Pancreas
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Cytopenia
General term for a decrease in number of any cell line in peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Cytospin preparation
Method of preparing a concentrated sample for evaluation of cell poor fluids.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Cytotoxic T cell
T lymphocyte subset involved in killing of virus-infected and neoplastic cells
Related Glossary Terms
Index
D-dimers
Fibrin fragments resulting from fibrinolysis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Degenerate neutrophil
Term used to describe neutrophils in cytologic preparations indicating swelling and lysis of the neutrophil nucleus, e.g. due to bacterial infection.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Degenerative left shift
Increase in immature neutrophils in which there is no neutrophilia and numbers of mature neutrophils are equal to or less than the numbers of immature stages; suggests the bone marrow is not able to meet peripheral demand.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Diabetes insipidus
Endocrine disease characterized by polydipsia, polyuria, and dilute urine due to a lack of ADH (central) or lack of responsiveness to ADH (nephrogenic).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Diabetes mellitus
Endocrine disease characterized by hyperglycemia and glucosuria due to insulin lack (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
DIC&F
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation & Fibrinolysis; simultaneous disorders of coagulation and fibrinolysis due to generalized derangement of hemostasis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Discrete round cell
Hemopoietic cell; also includes transmissible venereal tumor cells.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Döhle body
Deposit of rough endoplasmic reticulum which appears as a dark blue granule in the cytoplasm of neutrophils, indicating toxic change.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Dyserythropoiesis
Abnormal production of erythrocytes characterized by disorderly maturation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Eccentrocyte
Erythrocyte in which the hemoglobin is displaced to one side due to oxidative damage to the lipid membrane.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Echinocyte
Erythrocyte with even projections all around its membrane; often an artifact but can be a pathologic change. Echinocytes are classified as types 1 and 3 depending on the length and sharpness of the projections (spicules).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Echinoelliptocyte
Oval-shaped erythrocyte that is spiculated.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Electrolytes
Substances which exist in solution as positively and negatively charged ions.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Elliptocyte
Oval-shaped erythrocyte.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Embden-Meyerhof pathway
Erythrocyte metabolic pathway responsible for production of ATP.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Endomitosis
Process by which DNA replication occurs without cell division; e.g. within megakaryocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Endothelium
Specialized layer of cells lining the blood vessels.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 13 – Lipid Structure and Transport
Eosinopenia
Decrease in the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood. May not be detectable given the reference intervals.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Eosinophil
Granulocyte with large, round, pink to orange (eosinophilic) cytoplasmic granules and an often bi-lobed nucleus; important in host response to allergens and defense against parasites.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Eosinophilia
Increase in the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Epithelial
Referring to cells of the skin and adnexa, lining of the airways, intestines, and urinary tract, renal tubules, liver, and glandular tissues.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Epithelial dysplasia
Abnormal growth and maturation of the epithelium, e.g. due to chronic irritation, that may be difficult to differentiate from neoplastic changes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Equine metabolic syndrome
Equine disorder of glucose metabolism characterized by obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Erythrocyte
Red blood cell (RBC); an anucleate (in mammalian species) cell containing hemoglobin needed for oxygen transport. Typically shaped like a bi-concave disk.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Chapter 10 – Endocrine Pancreas
Chapter 11 – Routine Tests of Muscle Damage
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Erythrocytosis
Increase in hematocrit (PCV) in peripheral blood; usually accompanied by increases in hemoglobin and RBC numbers.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Chapter 3 – Chronic myeloid neoplasms
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Erythrogram
All tests on the complete blood count (CBC) that evaluate erythrocytes, including morphologic examination on the peripheral blood smear.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Erythroid hyperplasia
Increased numbers of erythrocyte precursors seen on examination of bone marrow, e.g. in response to anemia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Erythron
All circulating erythrocytes and erythrocyte precursors within the body.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Erythropoiesis
Part of hemopoiesis dealing with the production of erythrocytes from stem cells to mature circulating red blood cells.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Erythropoietin
Growth factor that maintains erythroid proliferation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Chronic myeloid neoplasms
Euthyroid sick syndrome
Low T4 that is not due to primary thyroid disease in an ill animal.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Exfoliate
To peel off; used to describe cytologic samples, e.g. tumors such as adenocarcinomas tend to exfoliate well and aspirates from them are often highly cellular.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Lack of exocrine pancreatic secretions that leads to maldigestion of food, weight loss, voluminous stools.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Extravascular hemolysis
Erythrocyte destruction within macrophages of the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and bone marrow; often accompanied by hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubinuria.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Extrinsic pathway
Component of the cascade model of coagulation initiated by release of tissue factor from damaged tissue and terminating in the common pathway. Prothrombin time (PT) evaluates the extrinsic and common pathways.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Exudate
Fluid with an elevated protein concentration and nucleated cell count.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
FDP
Fibrin/fibrinogen Degradation Products; increased concentration of these products supports a diagnosis of DIC&F.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Feathered edge
Edge of the blood smear farthest from where the droplet of blood is placed.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Ferritin
Storage form of iron within plasma and tissues (soluble).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Fibrin
The end product of coagulation, produced by the conversion of fibrinogen.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Fibrinolysis
Process in which fibrin is broken down, resulting in clot dissolution.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Fine needle aspirate
Technique used to obtain samples for cytologic evaluation, using suction.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Fine needle nonaspirate
Technique used to obtain samples for cytologic evaluation, without suction.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Flow cytometry
Technique by which cells in fluids (e.g. blood) can be identified based on cell surface markers.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Fractional excretion
Amount of an electrolyte excreted by the kidneys relative to the amount in the glomerular filtrate.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 7 – Fractional Excretion of Electrolytes
Free calcium
Calcium that is not bound to proteins in serum and is biologically active.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
G-CSF
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor; important growth factor in early granulopoiesis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Gammopathy
Condition marked by excessive immunoglobulin synthesis due to neoplastic or non-neoplastic causes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Gammopathy, biclonal
Gammopathy characterized by 2 narrow-based peaks in the gamma region, often reflecting a clonal neoplastic production of immunoglobulin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Gammopathy, monoclonal
Gammopathy characterized by a single narrow-based peak or spike in the gamma region, often reflecting a clonal neoplastic production of immunoglobulin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Gammopathy, polyclonal
Gammopathy characterized by a broad-based peak in the gamma region and reflecting production of many different immunoglobulins from antigenic stimulation as may be seen with a chronic infection.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Ghost cell
Pale-staining erythrocyte containing very little hemoglobin due to intravascular lysis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Giant cell
Large, multinucleated macrophage associated with chronic inflammation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Globulins
Varied group of plasma proteins including acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Glucocorticoid hepatopathy
Glycogen accumulation within hepatocytes due to chronically increased corticosteroid levels (e.g. due to treatment with glucocorticoids or hyperadrenocorticism)
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Expected Results According to Hepatic Disorder
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Glutathione
Enzyme involved in protection of erythrocytes from oxidative damage.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
GM-CSF
Granulocyte/Monocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor; important growth factor in early granulopoiesis and monopoiesis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Granulocyte
Mobile leukocyte with the ability to phagocytose, degrade, and/or kill microorganisms (neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Granulopoiesis
Part of hemopoiesis dealing with the production of granulocytes from stem cells to mature circulating neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Haptoglobin
Protein that binds and transports free hemoglobin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Heinz body
Aggregate of denatured hemoglobin within a RBC, caused by oxidative damage.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Helper T cell
T lymphocyte subset involved in regulation of the specific immune response.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Hematocrit
Volume of erythrocytes per liter of whole blood. Reported as L/L (calculated: MCV x RBC count). Equivalent to PCV (%) determined by centrifugation of blood in a microhematocrit tube
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Chapter 3 – Chronic myeloid neoplasms
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Hemoglobin
Oxygen-carrying molecule within erythrocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Chapter 11 – Routine Tests of Muscle Damage
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Hemoglobinemia
Presence of free hemoglobin in the blood, e.g. due to intravascular hemolysis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 11 – Routine Tests of Muscle Damage
Hemoglobinuria
Presence of free hemoglobin in the urine, e.g. due to intravascular hemolysis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 11 – Routine Tests of Muscle Damage
Hemolysis
Erythrocyte rupture or destruction; may occur in vitro or in vivo as a pathologic process.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hemolytic anemia
Anemia due to destruction of RBCs. Lysis may be intravascular (within blood vessels) or extravascular (within tissues rich in mononuclear phagocytes such as spleen and liver), or both.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Hemophilia A,B
Defective secondary hemostasis due to a lack of clotting factors VIII or IX
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Hemopoiesis
Process of producing all the cells found in the blood, including RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Hemopoietic stem cell
Pluripotential cell that gives rise to all hemopoietic cell lines; also capable of self-renewal.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Hemorrhagic effusion
Fluid accumulation comprising peripheral blood; resembles peripheral blood but lacks platelets if more than a few hours old. Erythrophagia by macrophages is also present.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hemosiderin
Major storage form of iron within tissues (insoluble).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Hemostasis
Complex interaction of proteins, cells, and blood vessels to arrest hemorrhage – a highly regulated, finely balanced process.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hepatocellular injury
Nonspecific term for sublethal or lethal injury to hepatocytes due to various causes, e.g. hypoxia, toxins, infection.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Hepatobilary System
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Hexose Monophosphate Shunt
Erythrocyte metabolic pathway responsible for providing protection against oxidants and oxidative damage.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Histiocyte
Tissue macrophage.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Hyper-
Prefix meaning increased.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Hyperadrenocorticism
Also called Cushing’s disease; common endocrine disease of dogs associated with chronic overproduction of cortisol due to either a pituitary tumor or functional adrenal tumor.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatocellular Injury
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hypercalcemia of malignancy
Increase in free calcium that may accompany certain neoplasms,often due to tumor cell production of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP)
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Hyperlipemia
Term to describe the milky appearance of plasma; also lipemia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Hyperlipidemia
General term for increased concentrations of any or all lipids in plasma.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hyperparathyroidism
Unusual cause of hypercalcemia due to increased PTH release from a functional parathyroid tumor.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hyperplasia
Cellular proliferation- increased number of normal cells
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Hyperthyroidism
Common endocrine disease of older cats associated with thyroid gland hyperplasia or a functioning thyroid adenoma.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hyperviscosity
Thickening or sludging of the blood due to high concentrations of immunoglobulin or absolute erythrocytosis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Hypo-
Prefix meaning decreased.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Hypoadrenocorticism
Also called Addison’s disease; endocrine disease of dogs associated with decreased production of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, or both due to adrenocortical pathology.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hypochromasia
Presence of pale-staining erythrocytes with increased central pallor due to decreased hemoglobin content.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Hyposthenuria
Urine specific gravity <1.007, reflects dilution of the urine by the kidneys.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Hypothyroidism
Common endocrine disease in dogs associated with decreased thyroid hormone concentrations, usually due to lymphocytic thyroiditis or thyroid atrophy.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Hypovolemia
Decreased blood volume; causes include dehydration, shock, blood loss, hypoadrenocorticism.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 9 – Acid-base and Electrolyte Disturbances
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Icterus
Jaundice; deposition of pigment in skin, mucous membranes and sclera due to hyperbilirubinemia; usually results in a yellow discoloration of skin and mucous membranes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Idiopathic
Of unknown cause.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Anemia due to destruction of RBCs that is caused by antibodies produced by the animal’s own immune system. Usually highly regenerative, with presence of spherocytes and agglutination.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia due to destruction of platelets that is caused by antibodies produced by the animal’s own immune system.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Immunocyte
See reactive lymphocyte.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Immunohistochemistry
Technique by which cells in tissue (e.g. poorly differentiated neoplastic cells) can be identified based on cell surface markers.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Insulinoma
Insulin-secreting tumor of pancreatic β cells resulting in hypoglycemia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Endocrine Pancreas
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Intravascular hemolysis
Erythrocyte destruction within blood vessels; often accompanied by hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Intrinsic pathway
Component of the cascade model of coagulation initiated by exposure of contact factors to subendothelium and terminating in the common pathway. PTT evaluates the intrinsic and common pathways.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Iron-deficiency anemia
Anemia in which there is insufficient body iron for effective erythropoiesis, usually caused by chronic external blood loss. Anemia remains regenerative until the end-stage of iron deficiency. The anemia is characterized by microcytic hypochromic RBCs.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Isosthenuria
Urine specific gravity between 1.008 and 1.012, reflecting urine that has been neither diluted nor concentrated by the kidneys.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Karyolysis
Lysis of the nucleus.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Keratocyte
Crescent-shaped cells that are formed from mechanical shearing (usually due to fibrin strand deposition) of the red cell.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Kupffer cell
Resident macrophage in the sinuses of the liver.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Hepatobilary System
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Lactescent
Having the appearance of milk
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Large granular lymphocyte
Lymphocyte with large magenta cytoplasmic granules; either a cytotoxic T cell or natural killer cell.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Left shift
Release of less mature neutrophil stages (bands, metamyelocytes, myelocytes) from the marrow into the peripheral blood in response to inflammation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Leukemia
Presence of bone marrow-derived neoplastic cells in peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Leukocyte
White blood cell (WBC); includes neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, mast cells.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Leukogram
All tests on the CBC that evaluate leukocytes. Also, that part of the leukon which is evaluated by examination of a peripheral blood sample (typically does not include leukocyte precursors).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 7 – Miscellaneous Laboratory Findings with Renal Disease
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Leukon
All circulating leukocytes and leukocyte precursors within the body.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Lipemia
Term to describe the milky appearance of plasma.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Endocrine Pancreas
Lipid
General term for fat, including triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Morphology
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Chapter 11 – Specialized Tests of Muscle Damage
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Lipoprotein
Association of lipid with protein for lipid transport.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 13 – Lipid Structure and Transport
Long chain fatty acid
Main component of triglycerides and phospholipids.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 13 – Lipid Structure and Transport
Lymphadenitis
Inflammation of the lymph node.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Lymphoblast
Large lymphocyte with prominent nucleolus; may be a lymphocyte precursor or neoplastic lymphocyte.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Lymphocyte
Mononuclear, non-phagocytic leukocyte responsible for humoral (B lymphocyte) and cell-mediated (T lymphocyte) immune responses.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Lymphoid
Referring to lymphocytes and tissues where lymphocytes develop.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Lymphopoiesis
Part of hemopoiesis involving the production of lymphocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Lymphosarcoma
Solid malignant lymphoid tumor.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 7 – Miscellaneous Laboratory Findings with Renal Disease
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Macrocytosis
Increased number of erythrocytes with increased volume that usually corresponds with increased MCV; may be seen in regenerative anemias and can be normal in Poodle dogs.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Macronuclei
Larger than normal nuclei.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Macrophage
Mononuclear phagocyte found in tissues that develops from circulating blood monocytes and fulfills many roles in normal immune function including antigen presentation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Malabsorption
Impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients, e.g. due to inflammatory bowel disease.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Maldigestion
Impaired digestion, e.g. due to lack of pancreatic secretions.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Marginating pool
Neutrophils in peripheral blood that roll along the vascular endothelium; these neutrophils are not sampled when blood is drawn from an animal.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Mast cell
Mononuclear, granular leukocyte important in hypersensitivity reactions.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Maturation disorder
See Myelodysplasia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
MCH
Average amount of hemoglobin per erythrocyte (calculated: hemoglobin÷RBC count).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
MCHC
Average concentration of hemoglobin per erythrocyte (calculated: hemoglobin÷hematocrit).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
MCV
Average erythrocyte size in femtoliters (measured or calculated PCV or Hct÷RBC).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Megakaryoblast
Stage in megakaryopoiesis following promegakaryoblast.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Megakaryocyte
Polyploid cell found in the bone marrow (also spleen and lung) that produces platelets.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Megakaryopoiesis
Part of hemopoiesis dealing with the production of megakaryocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Mesenchymal
Referring to either spindle cells or discrete round cells.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Mesothelial cell
Cell lining body cavities that may exfoliate into body cavity fluids when there is inflammation or accumulation of excess fluid for other reasons; mesothelial cells can become phagocytic.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Metamyelocyte
Stage in granulopoiesis following myelocyte; nucleus begins to become indented.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Metaplasia
Replacement of one differentiated cell type with another differentiated cell type.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Metarubricyte
Stage in erythropoiesis following rubricyte and the final stage of erythrocyte development to possess a nucleus in mammalian species.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Methemoglobin
Oxidized, non-functional hemoglobin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Methemoglobin reduction pathway
Erythrocyte metabolic pathway responsible for maintaining hemoglobin in a reduced (functional) state.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Microcytosis
Increased number of erythrocytes with decreased volume that usually corresponds with decreased MCV; often associated with iron deficiency as well as portosystemic shunts.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Mitotic index
Measure of the number of mitotic figures within a cytologic preparation; malignant cells often have a higher mitotic index than benign or normal cells.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Mitotic pool
Committed granulocyte precursors that undergo proliferation and maturation from myeloblast to myelocyte stages.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Mixed acid-base disorder
Disorder in which there is a concurrent acidosis and alkalosis; pH and bicarbonate values may be within reference intervals.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Classification of Acid-Base Abnormalities
Modified transudate
Transudate that has been modified by the presence of additional protein, cells, or both.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Monocyte
Mononuclear phagocytic leukocyte that develops into macrophages in tissue.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Monocytopenia
Decrease in the number of monocytes in peripheral blood
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Monocytosis
Increase in the number of monocytes in peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Mononuclear phagocyte system
Group of phagocytic cells mainly derived from monocytes and differentiating to macrophages in various tissues.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Morphology
Chapter 8 – Hepatobilary System
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Monopoiesis
Part of hemopoiesis involving the production of monocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Mycoplasma spp
Red cell organism causing hemolytic anemia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Myeloblast
Stage in granulopoiesis following the committed stem cell stage; earliest form recognizable as a granulocyte precursor.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Myeloblastic
Referring to immature myeloid cells.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Myelocyte
Stage in granulopoiesis following promyelocyte; synthesis of secondary (specific) granules occurs. Type of granulocyte can now be determined (neutrophil, eosinophil, or basophil).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Myelodysplasia
Defective or abnormal development of any cell line within the bone marrow; may culminate in neoplastic disease.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Myelogenous
Of myeloid origin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Myeloid
Can have different hematologic meanings: 1. referring to all hemopoietic cells in the bone marrow except lymphocytes, 2. referring to all bone marrow leukocytes except lymphocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Myelophthisis
Replacement of hemopoietic tissue by abnormal tissue such as neoplastic cells, fibrosis, or granulomas,and often resulting in cytopenia(s) of normal hemopoietic cell lines.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Myeloproliferative neoplasm
A tumor of bone marrow-derived cells, generally chronic myeloid neoplasms
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Myoglobin
Heme protein responsible for oxygen transport in muscle.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Chapter 11 – Routine Tests of Muscle Damage
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Natural killer cell
Cytotoxic lymphocyte important in the non-specific immune response.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Neoplasia
Abnormal uncontrolled growth of cells that are unresponsive to normal physiologic growth controls; may be benign or malignant.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Chapter 3 – Chronic myeloid neoplasms
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Cholestasis
Chapter 11 – Routine Tests of Muscle Damage
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Neutropenia
Decrease in the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood below the reference interval for the species.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 3 – Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Neutrophil
Granulocyte with fine, inconspicuous cytoplasmic granules and a segmented nucleus; important in phagocytosis and killing of bacteria.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Neutrophilia
Increase in the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Nonseptic exudate
Exudate without a causative agent, not resulting from infection.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Nuclear molding
Distortion and displacement of the nucleus of a cell due to crowding and uncontrolled growth of neighboring cells; a feature of malignancy in epithelial neoplasms.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Nuclear remnant
Piece of the nucleus that persists in the mature erythrocyte. May be seen in healthy animals, especially cats, and those with regenerative anemias, or hypofunctioning spleens.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio
Comparison of the relative size of the nucleus and cytoplasm of a cell; a cell with abundant cytoplasm has a low N:C ratio, while a cell with a large nucleus and scant cytoplasm has a high N:C ratio. A high N:C ratio may be seen in neoplastic cells, but also in some normal cells (e.g. small lymphocyte).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Nucleated erythrocyte
Erythrocyte precursor; often used to refer to metarubricytes in peripheral blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Osmol gap
Difference between the measured osmolality and the calculated osmolarity. Because the units differ, the term “osmol” gap is used.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Osmolality
Concentration of osmotically active particles in solution expressed in osmoles of solute per kg of solvent (mmol/kg).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Body Water, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Osmolarity
Concentration of osmotically active particles in solution expressed in osmoles of solute per liter of solution (mmol/L).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Osmotic pressure
Force required to counterbalance osmotic solvent flow that occurs through a semipermeable membrane (e.g. cell membrane).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
OSPT
One stage Prothrombin Time; see PT.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Oxidative damage
Cellular injury resulting from free radicals and other unstable molecules such as reactive oxygen species; identified by the presence of Heinz bodies and eccentrocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
Packed cell volume
Equivalent to the hematocrit, but measured using a microhematocrit tube.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Panhypoproteinemia
Concurrent decreased concentration of albumin and globulins.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Paraneoplastic syndrome
Signs and symptoms that are a consequence of the presence of a neoplasm, but not due to the local presence of cancer cells. An example would be the effects of hypercalcemia of malignancy related to production of PTHrP by neoplastic T lymphocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Parathyroid hormone
PTH; hormone that increases serum calcium levels.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Petechia
Pinpoint hemorrhage visible on superficial surfaces such as oral mucosa and less-haired skin of animals with thrombocytopenia or platelet function defects.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Phospholipid
Type of lipid used to form cell membranes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Morphology
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction
PPID; Endocrine disease of horses caused by hyperplasia or adenoma of the pars intermedia of the pituitary.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Plasma cell
Terminally differentiated B lymphocyte that secretes specific antibody.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Plasma cell sarcoma
Malignant neoplastic plasma cells usually within the bone marrow; also referred to as systemic malignant plasma cell tumor, plasma cell myeloma or multiple myeloma. Often accompanied by plasma cell leukemia, bone lysis, hypercalcemia, monoclonal gammopathy, and Bence Jones proteinuria.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Plasmacytoma
Focal/solitary mass of neoplastic plasma cells that can be in soft tissues or bone, called extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) or solitary osseous plasmacytoma (SOP), respectively.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Plasmin
Proteolytic enzyme important in fibrinolysis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Platelet
An anucleate (in mammalian species) cytoplasmic fragment arising from a megakaryocyte; vital for primary hemostasis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Platelet function defect
Any of a number of conditions (e.g. von Willebrand disease, administration of cyclooxygenase inhibitors such as acetylsalicylic acid) that can lead to defective primary hemostasis despite adequate platelet numbers.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Platelet glycoprotein 1b-IX-V
Platelet surface protein that binds to von Willebrand factor and thrombin.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
Platelet surface protein that binds fibrinogen.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Pleomorphism
Variation in morphology.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Poikilocyte
General term for an abnormally shaped erythrocyte.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Polychromasia
Increased numbers of anucleate, immature erythrocytes that stain bluish-pink with Romanowsky stains due to the presence of cytoplasmic RNA.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Polychromatophilic erythrocyte
Polychromatophil; an anucleate (in mammalian species), immature erythrocyte containing cytoplasmic RNA and ribosomes which give the cell a bluish-pink appearance with Romanowsky stains (e.g. Wright-Giemsa).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Polyploid
Containing more than the normal diploid quantity of DNA.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Post-mitotic pool
Granulocyte maturation, with no further cell division, from metamyelocytes to mature granulocytes. Also known as the storage pool.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Postrenal azotemia
Azotemia due to urinary tract blockage or rupture.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Postrenal proteinuria
Presence of protein in the urine caused by inflammation or bleeding within the urogenital tract distal to the kidneys.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Precursor cell
First level of committed differentiation within a given cell line (e.g. in the bone marrow).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Preleukemia
Term describing the absence of neoplastic hemopoietic cells in peripheral blood despite the presence of neoplastic hemopoietic cells in bone marrow.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Hemopoietic Neoplasia
Prerenal azotemia
Azotemia due to extracellular fluid volume depletion (dehydration).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Prerenal proteinuria
Presence of protein in the urine as a result of filtration by the kidneys of hemoglobin, myoglobin or Bence-Jones proteins.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Primary granule
Granules containing myeloperoxidase, lysozyme, and defensins; found in promyelocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Primary hemostasis
Initial events in hemostasis, comprising vasospasm/vasoconstriction and platelet plug formation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Promegakaryoblast
Stage in megakaryopoiesis following the committed stem cell stage. At this stage, mitosis ceases but DNA replication continues.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Promegakaryocyte
Stage in megakaryopoiesis following megakaryoblast.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Promyelocyte
Stage in granulopoiesis following myeloblast; synthesis of primary (azurophilic) granules occurs.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Prorubricyte
Stage in erythropoiesis following rubriblast.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Protein electrophoresis
Technique for separating and quantitating proteins in fluids, e.g. serum or urine.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
PT
Prothrombin time; diagnostic test used to evaluate the extrinsic and common pathways.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
PTHrP
Parathyroid hormone-related protein; may be produced by certain neoplasms and result in hypercalcemia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
PTT
Partial thromboplastin time; diagnostic test used to evaluate the intrinsic and common pathways.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Pyknotic
Condensed or shrunken, as in the nucleus of a metarubricyte or apoptotic cell.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Radial Immunodiffusion
Technique combining protein electrophoresis and immunodiffusion to identify different immunoglobulin classes (e.g. IgA, IgG).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 12 – Interpretation of Protein Patterns
Rapoport-Luebering pathway
Erythrocyte metabolic pathway responsible for generation of 2,3-BPG.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Metabolism
RBC count
Number of erythrocytes per liter of whole blood (measured).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
RDW
Red cell distribution width; a measure of RBC variation in size (anisocytosis) within a blood sample (calculated).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Reaction accelerator
Factors V and VIII decrease the time required for coagulation to occur.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Reactive lymph node
Lymph node responding to immunologic stimulation; often recognized cytologically by the presence of numerous plasma cells and a heterogeneous population of large, intermediate, and small lymphocytes.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Reactive lymphocyte
Immunologically stimulated lymphocyte that typically has darkly staining cytoplasm.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Refractometry
Method of measuring the protein content of a fluid that relies on refraction of light, which is proportional to the quantity of solids in solution.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 10 – Endocrine Pancreas
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Renal azotemia
Azotemia due to renal disease.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Renal clearance
Volume of plasma that is cleared of a substance per unit time (mL/min). Renal clearance of creatinine is an estimation of glomerular filtration rate.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Renal disease
Constellation of: retention of metabolic waste products, acid-base and electrolyte disturbances, and compromised urine concentrating ability that develops when the functional mass of the kidneys is reduced by 70% or more; may be acute or chronic.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 6 – Serum Electrolytes
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 10 – Parathyroid Glands and Calcium/Phosphorus Homeostasis
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Renal proteinuria
Presence of protein in the urine caused by tubular or glomerular disease.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Reticulocyte
Anucleate (in mammalian species), immature erythrocyte containing cytoplasmic RNA and ribosomes which are precipitated by staining with new methylene blue.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Romanowsky stain
Routine stain for blood smears.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Rouleaux
“Stack” of red blood cells resembling a roll of coins; prominent in equine and often feline blood. Formation increases as negative charges between RBCs decrease (e.g. with increased plasma proteins).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
RPI
Reticulocyte production index; a calculated value designed to determine if the regenerative response is adequate for the degree of anemia. Corrects for the longer life of a young reticulocyte and the relative increase in reticulocytes in the presence of a low hematocrit (anemia). Reported for dogs only.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Values
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Rubriblast
Stage in erythropoiesis following the committed stem cell or CFU-E stage; earliest form recognizable as an erythrocyte precursor.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Rubricyte
Stage in erythropoiesis following prorubricyte; hemoglobinization is most active during this stage.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Sarcoma
Malignant neoplasm of mesenchymal origin, e.g. osteosarcoma.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Schizocyte
An erythrocyte fragment created by shearing trauma to erythrocytes within the vascular system; often the fragment which has been sheared off to form a keratocyte.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Secondary granule
Granules specific to either neutrophils, eosinophils, or basophils, and containing substances used by the cell in host defence.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Secondary hemostasis
Results in formation of cross-linked fibrin to stabilize the platelet plug.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Segmented neutrophil
Fully mature neutrophil with a lobulated (segmented) nucleus.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Septic exudate
Exudate containing an infectious/etiologic agent (e.g. bacteria); often containing degenerate neutrophils as well.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Specific granule
See Secondary granule.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Spectrin
Erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 1 – Erythrocyte Morphology
Spectrophotometry
The quantitative measurement of the reflection or transmission properties of a substance as a function of wavelength. A more accurate method of measuring the protein concentration of a fluid than by refractometry.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Spherocyte
Erythrocyte with a spherical rather than biconcave disk shape, which results in a compact cell with a lack of central pallor. Often associated with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Spindle cell
Cell forming connective tissue, fat, muscle, bone, lymphatics, andblood vessels.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Stress leukogram
Typical change seen in peripheral blood of an ill or stressed animal (with increased cortisol levels), consisting of lymphopenia which may be accompanied by neutrophilia and monocytosis (species differences exist).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Chapter 10 – Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glands
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Subendothelium
Negatively charged surface that is exposed following vascular injury.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Synoviocyte
Mononuclear cell lining the synovial cavity that may be seen on smears of joint fluid.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
T lymphocyte
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Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 3 – Lymphoid neoplasms
Thoracocentesis
Process of obtaining thoracic fluid for cytologic evaluation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Three stage model of coagulation
Revised model of coagulation comprising 3 stages: initiation, amplification, and propagation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Thrombin
Central protein of coagulation; not only converts fibrinogen to fibrin, but also plays important roles in amplification and fibrinolysis.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Thrombocytopenia
Decrease in the number of circulating platelets below the reference interval.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 9 – Gastrointestinal Tract
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Thrombogram
All tests on the complete blood count (CBC) that evaluate platelets. Also, that part of the thrombon which is evaluated by examination of a peripheral blood sample (typically does not include platelet precursors).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Thrombon
All circulating platelets, megakaryocytes and their precursors within the body.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Thrombopoiesis
Part of hemopoiesis dealing with the production of platelets from stem cells to megakaryocytes to circulating platelets.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Thrombopoietin
Growth factor that maintains platelet mass.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Thromboxane A2
Chemical mediator that stimulates platelet aggregation in most species (not cattle).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Thrombus
Aggregation of platelets and fibrin with entrapped blood cells to form a blood clot. Can become pathological if retraction and dissolution do not occur normally.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Tissue factor
Protein released from damaged tissue important in initiating coagulation.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
TLI
Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity; test that measures serum trypsinogen and trypsin, and can be used to aid in the diagnosis of pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Total erythroid mass
All the erythroid cells in the body, including precursors.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Total iron binding capacity
Equivalent to transferrin concentration; the maximum amount of iron that can be carried in the blood.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Toxic change
Cytoplasmic abnormalities seen in neutrophils that have not matured normally in the bone marrow. Abnormalities include retention of primary granules, vacuolation, darker staining due to retention of ribosomes, and deposits of rough endoplasmic reticulum (Döhle bodies).
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 2 – Neutrophils and Neutrophil Kinetics
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Solid Tissue Samples
Appendix I: Practice Cases – Appendix I: Practice Cases
Tracheobroncial wash
Process of using a saline flush to obtain a sample of the cells within the trachea and proximal airways; may be transtracheal or endotracheal.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Transferrin
Protein involved in iron transport, e.g. for hemoglobin synthesis in RBCs.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 8 – Indicators of Hepatic Dysfunction
Transudate
Very low protein, cell poor fluid.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Triglyceride
Type of lipid used as an energy source.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Uremia
Clinical signs of dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, lethargy, “uremic” ulcers and breath odour, and central nervous dysfunction that accompany end-stage renal disease.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Urinary cast
Long cylinder composed of one or more of: epithelial cells, leukocytes, protein, necrotic material, and fat that is formed in the renal tubules and visible upon microscopic examination of urine sediment.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Uroabdomen
Leakage of urine into the abdomen due to trauma, inflammation/infection, or neoplasia involving the urinary tract.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Chapter 5 – Evaluation of Fluid Samples
Chapter 6 – Body Water, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Urochromes
Urine pigments.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Vitamin K antagonist
Results in bleeding due to the requirement of vitamin K for normal synthesis of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Von Willebrand disease
Disorder of primary hemostasis due to qualitative or quantitative defects in von Willebrand factor. The most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies – Appendix III: Guide to Case Studies
Von Willebrand factor
Protein important in binding platelets to subendothelial collagen.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
Xanthochromia
Yellow discoloration of a fluid sample reflecting prior hemorrhage.
Related Glossary Terms
Index
