Medical Glossary

Major mineral regulatory hormone produced in the first layer of the adrenal cortex zona glomerulosa.

A protozoa (microscopic organism) that may cause disease of the intestinal tract.

A condition seen in dogs and cats when a deposit of extracellular protein-like substance develops in the kidney

Allergic reaction to a substance that may cause life-threatening respiratory distress, followed by collapse of blood pressure and shock

A connection or opening created by surgical, traumatic or pathological means between two normally separate spaces or organs

The administering of a substance (fluid, gas, etc.) to reduce sensitivity; used on or in the body to allow for invasive procedures that may allow for surgical intervention.

Appetite loss. Can apply to animals that haven’t eaten in one or more days or weeks.

A specific substance produced by immune cells in the body to protect against foreign organism.

The lack of development of tissues or organs in the body. Commonly seen in young canine kidneys.

It is common for aging cats and dogs to suffer from painful joints, which happens from normal wear and tear. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is also called osteoarthritis.

Asthma is a more frequent feline ailment than canine. It’s a condition in which the airways leading to the lungs become inflamed and spastic. This causes excessive amounts of mucus to build up.

The unhealthy reduction or diminishing of tissue. For example, reduced muscle size. May be indicated by enhanced protrusions of boney prominences.

A disorder when the body has a specific antibody or immune response that rejects the body’s own red blood cells.

A substance produced in the liver that is excreted into the first part of small Intestine.

Pigment production from the breakdown of red blood cells. This product circulates in plasma and may be excreted in urine.

A rock-like structure that develops in the bladder. Signs include difficult urination, urinating in abnormal places, or urinating with blood.

Commonly known as Kennel Cough, Bordetella bronchiseptica is the name of the specific germ that causes an infection and subsequent inflammation of the trachea (wind-pipe) and bronchi.

A toxin produced by a bacteria that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle weakness.

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells inside or on the body. It’s not uncommon in pets and appears in dogs with about the same frequency as people. Veterinary oncologists specialize in cancer.

A malignant growth made up of epithelial cells that tend to invade other tissues and spread (i.e., cancer).

A gristly connective tissue attached to bones, found in juvenile and adult patients.

Surgically removing the testicles. Reasons for castration include hypersexual activity, chronic prostatitis, testicular tumors and tumors. This procedure should not be done without a reason. A vasectomy is safer in a normal male.

Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract causing abnormal mucous secretions.

A type of common ‘protozoa-like’ organism living in the small intestine often causing bloody diarrhea.

Conjunctivitis refers to an inflammation of the eyelid’s lining of the eyelid. The signs of conjunctivitis are red, swollen lid tissue and itchy, water eyes. The most common cause of conjunctivitis are airborne pollens.

Constipation in dogs is often caused by overfeeding them with bones. A veterinarian can help relieve the animal. Signs include straining without stool production, hard and dry stools, chronic vomiting.

The clear surface structure of the eye. One layer on the back of the cornea controls water metabolism of the eye.

Hyperadrenocorticism, also called Cushing’s Disease, occurs when too much cortisone is secreted from the adrenal glands. This results in a number of serious signs that include increased thirst and hair loss without itching.

A walled-off area of tissue with a ‘secretory’ membrane (production of unnatural materials). This becomes a small lump in the skin that is freely moveable with concise borders. This may rupture on its own and then treated as an open sore.

Flaking and shedding of skin in an abnormal manner. This can be a sign of an imbalance or also a sign of healing.

Surgical removal of the first join on each of a cat’s digits to remove their nails.

A remnant of a ‘thumbnail’ on the front and rear paws in cats and dogs. If detached from the bone at birth.

A lack or development of a lack of a pituitary hormone that is necessary for reclaiming water from the kidneys

A lack or binding of insulin from the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Most commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs and cats.

Perfusion of intravenous fluids to help cleanse the kidneys and help reduce their abnormal function.

A tear in the muscular membrane that divides the lung cavity from the abdominal cavity. Can be caused by trauma or genetics.

A chemical that occurs in nature or is synthetic that causes the heart to contract more forcibly.

The fibrous elastic cushion that is found between vertebrae and helps absorb shock. It consists of a fibrous outside ring and a pulpy nucleus.

A virus that causes a pneumonia-like lung disorder that leads to brain disorders, trauma, and death.

Relates to excess hair of the eyelids that grow inward, causing irritation and sometimes leading to conjunctivitis.

Refers to a pharmacological level of a chemical to be given to a patient for maximum effect with lowest risk of undesired outcome.

During birth or thereafter, a lack of blood calcium that causes shaking and/or seizures.

A measurement of electrical activity of the heart that also determines any cardiac interrupting between the atria and the ventricles.

The use of electricity-heated wire to alter various tissues, used mainly to coagulate incised vessels.

A chemical substance necessary to continue life that is found in the body and in nature. When ingested, electrolyte solutions dissolved and transform into electrically charged particles, capable of conducting sodium and potassium.

A restraining collar designed to prevent an animal from licking and biting itself, usually used after a surgical procedure.

A term used for crushing certain male spermatic structures to obtain testicular removal.

A disorder produced by the bacteria in the small intestines that find their way into the blood stream.

Entropion is a condition describing which the pet’s eyelids have rolled inward. This can lead to conjunctivitis and corneal lesions. Signs include closure of the eyes, plus excess tearing, red eyes, or white spots on the surface of the cornea.

A type of protein that enhances certain reactions to processes in the foods and nutrients.

Convulsions, or epileptic seizures, are not uncommon in pets. These convulsions are caused by abnormal electric impulses in the brain, which then causes seizures. The less severe condition results in “petit or grand mal seizures.

A medical effect caused in a limited population of animals due to a specific disease which may not be widespread.

A balance between opposite forces or influences. It may refer to a chemical equilibrium, or a physical one.

Tubular structure or intestine-like tissue that connects the mouth to the stomach.

Produced not only by the ovaries, but also adrenal cortex – inner layer – zona reticularis. It is the main estrogenic hormone when the animal is not pregnant.

A metabolic product from estradiole and estrone. Often found in female urine as a high excretion product.

A protein hormone produced by the inner layers of the adrenal cortex and ovaries. It is a combination of estradiol, estriol, and estrone.

Oxidized from estradiol and androstenedione. It occurs in greater concentrations in the pregnant animal.

FIV is a virus that affects cats, often fatally so. Often called ‘kitty AIDS,’ the virus is thought to destroy the immune system of cats and makes them very susceptible to infection from other terms that they normally are not exposed to.

Notes with the acronym FeLV, it’s a disease that can be transmitted through saliva and urine. Leukemia can cause reproductive failure and autoimmune anemia. this virus may cause weight loss or death.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum (membrous lining of the abdominal cavity). Signs include stiffness and pain when touching the abdomen, absence of feces, and fever.

The flea is an insect that sustains itself by feeding on the blood of host animals. Flea infestation can lead to a host of health issues for pets. Generally, healthier and cleaner animals are less like to face flea infestation.

Substances that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources that are not esterified .

Suturing the greater curvation to the ventral abdominal cavity to avoid future bloat or gastric torsion.

An increase in fluid in the eye, causing bulging and other effects like corneal ulcers and loss of vision.

A protein-like substance produced by the pancreas to help increase blood glucose.

Usually an enlargement of the thyroid glands, often due to an iodine deficiency.

Dental problems or poor digestion are the typical cause of halitosis, a more commonly called “bad breath.” If dental disease is ruled out, a veterinarian may recommend a special diet supplement or diet.

Heartworms are parasites (a parasite is an organism that lives off another animal or organism to survive). While heartworms are not themselves contagious, they are transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitos.

Abnormal passage of anatomical parts in the wrong tissue. A weak spot or other abnormal opening in a body wall permits part of an intestinal organ to move into an abnormal site.

Hip dysplasia is a disease involving the ‘ball and socket’ joint of the hip, where the hind leg attaches to the pelvis. Symptoms of hip dysplasia can be related to arthritic changes that occur as a result of genetics.

A term to describe the agreeability of tissues from different animals to maintain a homeostasis (well-being).

A parasite with larva that penetrates the skin of hosts upon contact. Most often in dogs on skin that contacts the ground.

A chemical protein acting as a messenger to body organs that have specific receptors. Hormones cause specific regulatory effects on those organs and are produced by other organs or body tissues.

In hyperthyroidism, which is more common in middle-aged to older pets, the thyroid gland enlarges as its functional tissue stretches beyond normal range.

Under production of adrenal cortisol due to injury or trauma to the adrenal gland.

Urinary incontinence occurs when an animal loses the ability to control its bladder to hold urine. Signs are when the animal urinates involuntarily, when awake or asleep. Causes include spaying, abnormal bladder position and estrogen imbalance.

Irritable bowel syndrome is common and can be enhanced by diet, allergies, bacteria, or internal parasites. A primary symptom is diarrhea but occasionally results in vomiting as well.

Keratitis sicca describes a condition involving a lack of tears to cleanse and lubricate the eyes. This can lead to conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.

A structure made of muscles and cartilage, located in the throat, that contains the vocal cords. Also called the voice box.

A material that is used during surgery to tie off the end of blood vessels, intestines etc.

A fatty non-malignant deposit that appears between the skin and muscles (subcutaneous).

Large, dark-red organ in the abdomen that stores and filters blood, secretes bile, breaks down fats, develops serum proteins, detoxifies chemicals etc.

A psychosurgical procedure in which nerve fibers are cut to separate a lobe of the brain and the thalamus.

A skin disease affecting domestic animals that can be caused by a hormonal antibody imbalance (demodex) or a contagious mange which is scabies.

A widely administered anthelmintic (anti-worm agent) that destroys gastrointestinal and lung worms.

Developed in the full-term fetus, represents the first stools passed by the fetus.

The combined physical and chemical processes in which an organism maintains homeostasis.

Larva of an adult worm found in the bloodstream; the larva are ingested by biting insects and transmitted to another permanent host.

A type of very small arthropod that are either free-living or parasitic on animals and plants.

A temporary, drug-induced depressed state that affects the central nervous system.

A large gland in the abdomen that produces enzymes that assist in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Also known as feline distemper, feline panleukopenia is very contagious viral disease. It is not related to canine distemper. The signs of feline distemper include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and death if untreated.

Partial or complete loss of motor function in a body part due to injury or trauma to neural or muscular mechanisms.

A plant or animal that lives on or within another organism that typically suffers in some way so the parasite can live.

Canine Parvo Virus can be a fatal disease, especially among young puppies. the highly infectious agent destroys the intestinal lining of affected dogs and causes them to vomit severely and have bloody diarrhea.

The general ailment known as Periodontal Disease, or Gum Disease, is very common in pets.

An organ in mammals that connects the mother and the offspring that allows for the selective exchange of fluids and substances.

A steroid hormone that is the primary hormone that helps prepare the body for pregnancy.

A secondary sex organ in a male animal that produces a fluid to provide sperm nutrition and mobility.

The area in the middle of the eye that expands and constricts in order to control the amount of light that reaches the retina.

A liquid substance created as an inflammation product. It’s rich in protein and made of white blood cells and cellular debris matter.

Rabies can cause severe illness and death in animals and humans alike. It’s a viral disease that can infect all mammal can be infected, but the susceptibility of species varies widely.

A gene that may be present but only recognized in the absence of a dominent gene.

A calcium-deficient disease in juvenile animals caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D or phosphorous.

A class of internal parasites that most commonly invade the gastrointestinal tract; appearing elongated, cylindrical, and migrate out of the intestines as a larva and reaches the lungs and is coughed up and swallowed as an adult.

Also known as scabies, a very irritating skin ailment caused by a particular mite. Lesions lead to self-trauma that causes loss of hair.

Also known as Sarcoptic Mange, a very irritating skin ailment caused by a particular mite. Lesions lead to self-trauma that cases loss of hair and skin.

The sudden attack of a disease; often refers to convulsions in Epilepsy. Grand Mal and Petit Mal represent the most severe, and the least severe seizures.

A disease spread widely within the body due to persistent harmful bacteria or virus.

A passage between two natural channels that can occur physiologically or through surgical procedure.

The part of the central nervous system that is contained in the spinal canal, protected by vertebrae.

Also called Wobbler Syndrome, a congenital conduction in which a cervical vertebrae is displaced. Most common in large breed dogs.

Use of artificial discoloration for enhanced ability to examine tissues, cells, or other microorganisms through a microscope.

A process to reduce or remove pathogens; also refers to rendering an animal incapable of reproduction.

A medical instrument used to amplify the body’s sounds that relate to the heart, lungs and the abdomen.

A combination of clinical signs that are commonly seen when a medical effect occurs.

A class of internal parasite that is elongated and somewhat flat. In most cases, tapeworms do not pose a serious health risk.

A build-up of yellowish matter formed of calcium phosphate and carbonate that is deposited on teeth by saliva.

An amino acid found only in animal products. Taurine is often required to avoid heart enlargement.

A potentially fatal disease caused by bacterial infection, most commonly following a traumatic injury. Causes muscle spasms.

Part of the brain that functions as a relay station for synapses traveling into the cerebral cortex from the spinal cord and brainstem.

A tick is an external parasite that feeds on the blood of pets. animals with regular time outdoors, especially in brush or high foliage, are most likely to be bitten by ticks.

The weakened condition caused by the spread of bacteria in the blood. Toxic Poisonous.

A condition determined by genes; also used to describe a specific genetic defect.

A disease caused by bacteria called Myobacterium that case a variety of symptoms in different animals.

An excessive amount of nitrogenous waste products in the blood stream due to kidney failure, also known as azotemia.

Uroliths are also called bladder stones, which are formed when minerals clump together in the urine.

A small sample of specific microorganisms to stimulate the body’s immune system to produce protective antibody.

A fold in a tubular structure that prevents a reverse flow of the moving material contained within the passage.

A tissue or organism that is distinctly different from the average specimen but still alike enough to be classified the same.

A carrier of disease or infectious agent that transfers it from one host to another.

In any case of persistent vomiting, take the animal to a veterinarian. If you believe that the vomiting was caused by a toxin or poison (e.g., a dog drank some detergent or a cat ate a toxic plant), rush the animal on for care.

Walleye refers to several conditions: Leukoma, when the cornea of the eye develops a white opacity; heterochromia iridis, where the iris becomes blue-white or pink-white.

Also called spondylolisthesis, a congenital condition in which a cervical vertebrae is displaced. most common in large breed dogs.

Pertaining to life.

Zoodermic

A process executed with the skin from another species of animal.

Zygote

The cell created when an ovum is fertilized by a sperm.

TOP OF PAGE