# Veterinary Medical Record Abbreviations: SOAP, TPR, BAR, BCS, WNL, Ddx, VD/DV, CT and More

> Abbreviations used in veterinary clinical records, the physical examination and imaging — SOAP, T/P/R, BAR, QAR, BCS, WNL, NSF, Dx, Ddx, R/O, Sx, Bx, Fx, VD, DV, Lat, Cr, Cd, CT, MRI, ECG — each with its source.

- Source page: https://wevet.in/vet-abbreviations/clinical-record-abbreviations/
- Type: Abbreviations
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-01
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Shorthand used in veterinary medical records, the physical examination, anatomical directions and radiographic views, from the University of Michigan list of accepted veterinary shorthand [2] and the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Library guide [1], with imaging and diagnostic methods from the Merck Veterinary Manual abbreviation list [3].

## Clinical record, examination and imaging abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| S | Subjective [2] | S, O, A and P are the four parts of a SOAP note. |
| O | Objective [2] |  |
| A | Assessment [2] |  |
| P | Plan; also pulse [2] |  |
| S/O | Subjective, objective [2] |  |
| PE | Physical examination [1][2] |  |
| T | Temperature [2] | T, P and R together are the TPR. |
| R | Respirations [2] |  |
| RR | Respiratory rate [2] |  |
| BAR | Bright, alert, responsive [2] |  |
| QAR | Quiet, alert, responsive [2] |  |
| BCS | Body condition score [2] |  |
| BW | Body weight [2] |  |
| WNL | Within normal limits [2] |  |
| NSF | No significant findings [2] |  |
| NOSF | No other significant findings [2] |  |
| Dx | Diagnosis [1][2] |  |
| Ddx | Differential diagnosis [2] |  |
| R/O | Rule out [2] |  |
| Sx | Surgery [1][2] |  |
| Bx | Biopsy [1][2] |  |
| Fx | Fracture [1][2] |  |
| Δ | Change [2] |  |
| CTM | Continue to monitor [2] |  |
| UTD | Up to date [2] |  |
| DOA | Dead on arrival [2] |  |
| LN | Lymph node [2] |  |
| PLNs | Peripheral lymph nodes [2] |  |
| EENT | Eyes, ears, nose, throat [2] |  |
| CV | Cardiovascular [2] |  |
| GI | Gastrointestinal [2][3] |  |
| GIT | Gastrointestinal tract [2] |  |
| UG | Urogenital [2] |  |
| UTI | Urinary tract infection [2] |  |
| PPE | Personal protective equipment [2] |  |
| VD | Ventro-dorsal [2] | Radiographic projection. |
| DV | Dorso-ventral [2] | Radiographic projection. |
| Lat. | Lateral [2] |  |
| Med. | Medial [2] |  |
| Cr. | Cranial [2] |  |
| Cd. | Caudal [2] |  |
| Ant. | Anterior [2] |  |
| Pos. | Posterior; also positive [2] |  |
| Sup. | Superior [2] |  |
| (L) | Left [2] |  |
| (R) | Right [2] |  |
| CT | Computed tomography [3] |  |
| MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging [3] |  |
| ECG | Electrocardiogram [3] |  |
| 2D / 3D | Two-dimensional / three-dimensional [3] |  |

## Frequently asked questions

### What does BAR mean in veterinary records?

Bright, alert, responsive; QAR means quiet, alert, responsive [2].

### What does WNL mean?

Within normal limits; NSF means no significant findings [2].

### What does SOAP stand for?

Subjective, objective, assessment and plan — the four sections abbreviated S, O, A and P [2].

### What do VD and DV mean on a radiograph?

VD is ventro-dorsal and DV is dorso-ventral [2].

## References

[1] Veterinary Abbreviations & Acronyms Guide — University of Illinois — Veterinary Medicine Library. https://www.library.illinois.edu/vex/vetabbrev
[2] Accepted Veterinary Medical Shorthand and Acronyms — University of Michigan research website (az.research.umich.edu) (last updated 2016). https://az.research.umich.edu/sites/default/files/media/embedded/Accepted%20Veterinary%20Medical%20Shorthand%20and%20Acronyms.pdf
[3] Abbreviations — Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/resourcespages/abbreviations

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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