Veterinary Medical Record Abbreviations: SOAP, TPR, BAR, BCS, WNL, Ddx, VD/DV, CT and More
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 (50)
| 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].
Related tools and references
More veterinary abbreviations
References
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.