AS (SAS) - (Sub)Aortic Stenosis- one of the two serious hereditary heart diseases in Boxers. Means the aortic valve is "narrowed", and doesn't open and close properly.CM (BCM) - Cardiomyopathy, or Boxer Cardiomyopathy, the other serious hereditary heart disease known in Boxers. A degenerative process begins to affect the heart muscle. Earliest signs are abnormal heart beats.
EKG (ECG) electrocardiogram- records the pattern of electrical activity in the heart, giving clues about the heart function, scar tissue, etc.
Holter - a 24 hour EKG recording
PVC (VPC) - premature ventricular contraction- means that the heart beat is starting in one of the ventricles (lower chamber) of the heart instead of the sinus node (special area that could also be called the natural pacemaker)
PAC (APC) - premature atrial contraction- means that the heart beat starts in one of the atria (upper chambers) instead of the sinus node.
US - ultrasound - can mean a sound wave picture of anything, but in BML discussions usually means a sound wave motion picture of the heart structure and function. Detects heart valve problems, and also, in very advanced cases, documents the poor heart function of cardiomyopathy.
OFA - Orthopedic Foundation of America- started as a registry to help identify dogs free of hip dysplasia (HD) for breeding, etc. purposes. They now also register thyroid and heart (aortic stenosis only) status.
CERF - a certification that the dog is free of eye diseases.
TESTS THAT MIGHT BE PERFORMED ON YOUR DOG IF IT VISITS THE VET: CBC - complete blood count, tells the number and assortment of white blood cells, red blood cells and their properties. Can indicate infection (viral vs bacterial), allergies, anemia, suggest the possibility of bleeding problems, possible dehydration, and suggest possible nutritional problems.
Chemistries (Chem 25, SMAC 25, electrolytes("lytes"), etc.) - a general panel includes about 25 common chemistry tests, which can, especially if done on a fasting dog, tell about possible diabetes, kidney function, liver function, nutritional state, electrolyte balance, possible dehydration, and many other things, depending on the actual assortment of tests included in the panel.
UA - urinalysis, checks for bladder infection and injuries, kidney infections and injuries, can sometimes indicate some liver problems, diabetes, and other conditions.
Stool sample - checked usually for parasites, but in some instances other tests may be performed to measure digestive functions.
X-Ray - takes a picture of the bones and some soft tissue structures
Heartworm check - requires a blood test, if your dog has only had a stool sample for worms, it has not been tested for heartworms.
Blood gases - a blood sample taken from an artery, would usually only be done in the face of serious breathing, cardiac, or metabolic problems, checks for oxygen, acid-base balance, and carbon dioxide
Submitted by:
Theresa Garton July, 1997
