The VeNom Codes are stored in a central Database Dictionary that is maintained by the Royal Veterinary College. Within the dictionary, each code (Term name) is allocated a unique numeric identifier (Database Dictionary Id) and codes are grouped according to the type of term under a Label, e.g. Diagnosis, Presenting complaint.
Below is a screenshot of a selection of the codes as they appear in Excel.
Various external bodies have helped the VeNom Group develop the codes and have verified their use. These groups are acknowledged below:
Breeds – with collaboration from RXWorks
The breed codes currently consist of canine and feline breeds that are recognised by kennel clubs and cat fancying associations across the world. Where possible all synonyms of the same breed have been linked in the codes to each other, and are independent of their colour coding unless it is specific to that breed. Similar breeds have been grouped together using standard categories (e.g. Retrievers or Spaniels). The list is very inclusive to ensure all types of dog breeds are covered, and first generation pedigree crosses (such as Labradoodle or Puggle) are also included to assist with data capture. Non-standard cross breed dogs are recorded as synonyms of ‘Crossbreed’. The cat terms are more uniform across the world and results in a simpler list, only certain breed descriptors are included as extra to the breed (e.g. Point). This list is frequently being updated as new breeds are introduced across the world.
Currently, equine and farm animal breed lists are being generated along
with small furries and exotics. The VeNom Group is grateful to the assistance
of Rx Works in the creation of these codes.
Diagnosis
The first terms to be created in the VeNom codes were diagnosis. They were started as a need arose from Universities to record cases systematically in an electronic database. The diagnostic list currently contains over 3,500 different diagnostic codes. Diagnostic codes are not species specific in themselves but so far only diagnostic codes for Small Animals and Horses have been included. The diagnostic codes for farm animal species are in development.
The diagnostic codes are currently implemented in many universities and
first opinion practices as well as in industry such as insurance and pet ID
companies. Disease surveillance programmes have also implemented the diagnostic
codes.
Presenting Complaints
These codes relate to the reasons why animals are presented to veterinary surgeries, they consist of over 250 terms. The terms are inclusive of presenting complaints for primary practice as well as referral practices. Currently only small animal and equine presenting complaints are included.
Procedures
The veterinary procedures performed at both first opinion and referral practice can be coded for within approximately 800 different procedure codes. These codes catalogue all the procedures that are performed in small animal and equine clinics. Farm animal procedures are currently under development.
Species
The species listing within the code is a generic listing that links together breeds in the hierarchy system. The 70+ listed species are simplified names to include large groups of species within a colloquial name (e.g. Hamster or Mouse). More common single species groups have their synonym colloquial names and their scientific names linked within the codes (e.g. Sheep and Ovine).