Okuzeka
Veterinary Medicine vocabulary · Clinical Examination

Capillary refill time

Meaning in veterinary medicine, with examples

/kəˈpɪləri ˈriːfɪl taɪm/nounCommon term

In veterinary medicine, capillary refill time means: The time it takes for colour to return to the gum after it is pressed with a finger. It shows how well blood reaches the tissues; under two seconds is usually normal.

In Turkish: kapiller dolum zamanı, KDZ

How it is used

Shortened to CRT and recorded with mucous membrane colour in every examination and triage: CRT < 2 s. A prolonged CRT can point to shock or dehydration.

Example sentences

  1. Capillary refill time was over three seconds and her pulse was weak.

  2. Check the capillary refill time again after the first fluid bolus.

Common collocations

  • prolonged capillary refill time
  • normal capillary refill time
  • check the capillary refill time
  • mucous membranesThe moist pink linings inside the mouth, eyelids, nose and genitals. Vets look at their colour, especially on the gums, to judge circulation and oxygen levels.
  • vital signsThe basic measurements that show how well an animal's body is working: temperature, heart rate, pulse and breathing rate.
  • triageQuickly assessing sick or injured animals as they arrive to decide how urgent each case is and which one should be seen first.
  • dehydrationA state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in, often because of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or not drinking.

More terms: Clinical Examination

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level:

This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.