Veterinarian glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a veterinarian provider in Denver CO.

What are core vs non-core vaccines?: Core vaccines protect against diseases that pose risk to all animals and are recommended universally, while non-core vaccines are given selectively based on a pet's exposure risk, geography, and lifestyle.
What are triage levels in veterinary ER?: Triage levels are the severity classifications assigned to incoming emergency patients to determine the order and urgency of veterinary treatment at animal hospitals.
What is a board-certified veterinary specialist?: A board-certified veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed a residency program in a specific discipline and passed rigorous board examinations to earn diplomate status from a recognized specialty college.
What is a Bordetella vaccine?: A vaccine that protects dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that causes kennel cough, commonly required by boarding facilities and doggy daycares.
What is a Coggins test?: The Coggins test is a blood test that detects antibodies to equine infectious anemia virus, required by Colorado law for horse transport, sale, and boarding.
What is a DHPP vaccine?: DHPP is a combination vaccine that protects dogs against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, considered a core vaccine in canine medicine.
What is a DVM credential?: A DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) is a professional degree earned after completing four years of accredited veterinary school and passing state licensing exams, authorizing a veterinarian to diagnose and treat animal diseases, perform surgery, and prescribe medications.
What is a rabies vaccine certificate?: A rabies vaccine certificate is the official document issued by a veterinarian certifying that a dog or cat has received a rabies vaccination approved under Colorado law.
What is a titer test?: A blood test that measures the level of antibodies against specific diseases (such as parvovirus or distemper) to determine whether an animal has immunity without requiring revaccination.
What is a veterinary technician (CVT/RVT)?: A credentialed veterinary professional (CVT or RVT) who performs clinical, surgical, and diagnostic tasks under a DVM's supervision, with education and licensing requirements that vary by state.
What is a zoonotic disease?: A zoonotic disease is an illness that spreads from animals to humans, either through direct contact or environmental exposure.
What is AAHA accreditation?: AAHA accreditation is a voluntary credential awarded by the American Animal Hospital Association to veterinary practices that meet national standards for medical care, facility standards, and professional conduct.
What is an FVRCP vaccine?: FVRCP is a combination vaccine that protects cats against three serious viral diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia.
What is anesthesia-free dental cleaning?: Anesthesia-free dental cleaning is a non-sedated cosmetic procedure that removes visible tartar and plaque from the outer surfaces of a pet's teeth without anesthesia or sedation.
What is avian sexing?: Avian sexing is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the biological sex of birds that lack visible sexual dimorphism, typically performed through DNA analysis or surgical endoscopy.
What is dental prophylaxis?: Dental prophylaxis is a preventive dental cleaning procedure performed under anesthesia to remove tartar and plaque buildup from a pet's teeth and gum line, distinct from tooth extraction or surgical intervention.
What is Fear Free certification?: Fear Free certification is a credential for veterinary professionals demonstrating advanced training in techniques and protocols designed to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress in animals during veterinary care.
What is GDV (bloat)?: Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a surgical emergency in which a dog's stomach becomes dangerously distended with gas and then twists on itself, restricting blood supply and requiring immediate intervention to prevent death.
What is microchipping?: Microchipping is the implantation of a rice-grain-sized RFID chip under a pet's skin that stores a unique identification number, readable by scanners at veterinary clinics and shelters to reunite lost animals with their owners.
What is neuter (orchiectomy)?: Neuter (orchiectomy) is the surgical procedure in which a veterinarian removes a male animal's testicles to prevent reproduction and reduce testosterone-related behaviors.
What is periodontal disease staging?: Periodontal disease staging is a standardized four-level grading system veterinarians use to classify the severity of gum and tooth disease in pets, from mild inflammation to advanced bone loss.
What is psittacine?: Psittacine refers to the order Psittaciformes, which includes parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and related species. Veterinarians use this classification to provide specialized, species-specific medical care.
What is pyometra?: Pyometra is a bacterial infection of the uterus that occurs in unspayed female dogs and cats, typically after heat cycles, and requires emergency surgical removal of the uterus to prevent sepsis and death.
What is spay (ovariohysterectomy)?: A spay (ovariohysterectomy) is a surgical procedure in which a veterinarian removes a female animal's ovaries and uterus to sterilize the animal and eliminate heat cycles.