The abdomen is that part of the body, lying between the chest and pelvis, containing the digestive organs (i.e. the belly).
Localised accumulation of pus in a cavity; usually associated with infection. A common outcome of cat fights.
A rapid and often severe onset (e.g. acute infection).
A rare disorder in which the adrenal glands produce insufficient steroid hormones (corticosteroids). Lifelong treatment with steroid replacement therapy is required, with regular follow-up treatment and monitoring for other health problems.
Pertaining to food or the digestive tract (alimentary canal).
A substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In allergic animals, the immune system recognizes allergens as “foreign” or “dangerous” and responds accordingly. In non-allergic animals these substances cause no immune response.
Loss of hair from the head or body. Hair loss can have a variety of causes, including parasites, hormone imbalance, food allergies, and infection. Identifying the cause is important for treatment.
The relief of pain. An analgesic is something designed to relieve pain.
A rapidly developing and serious allergic reaction that affects multiple areas of the body at one time. Severe reactions can be fatal.
A lower than normal level of red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry oxygen throughout the body.
The total loss of feeling or sensation, induced with drugs to allow procedures without pain. It may be general (whole body) or local (specific area).
Loss of appetite, regardless of the cause.
Substances that kill or slow down the growth of bacteria. They are not effective against viral infections.
Also known as an immunoglobulin, a large Y-shaped protein that identifies and neutralises foreign antigens like bacteria and viruses.
A medication used to treat vomiting and nausea.
A medication used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm.
A substance that triggers the production of antibodies. The immune system recognizes it as foreign and potentially harmful.
A medication used to relieve itching.
A medication used to reduce fever or high temperature.
A medication used to relieve coughing. Often prescribed for conditions that cause severe or persistent coughing.
The opening at the end of an animal’s digestive tract where faeces are expelled.
A disruption in the regular heartbeat caused by improper electrical impulses, resulting in a heart that beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
Pertaining to a joint.
The build-up of fluid in the abdomen (peritoneal cavity).
To draw in or out using suction. It can also refer to inhaling a foreign substance into the airway.
Having a disease or infection without showing clinical signs.
A neurological sign involving lack of coordination of muscle movements, often seen as wobbliness or unsteadiness.
A predisposition to developing allergic reactions, commonly associated with skin irritation and inflammation.
An irregular heart rhythm caused by disorganised electrical activity in the atria. This leads to ineffective blood flow due to rapid and irregular contractions.
A chamber of the heart where blood enters before being pumped out by the ventricles.
A progressive decrease in the size of an organ or tissue.
Weakened. Often refers to vaccines where the disease-causing ability has been reduced to make them safe.
A method of listening to internal body sounds, typically using a stethoscope during examination.
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
A condition characterised by high levels of nitrogen compounds (like urea and creatinine) in the blood, often due to kidney issues or dehydration.
A bacterium is a unicellular microorganism which represents one of the most basic and primitive forms of life. Bacteria are everywhere. Some bacteria are capable of causing disease in animals.
Harmless.
Meaning two sides.
A green/yellow liquid formed in the liver. Bile plays a vital role in the digestion of fats.
The removal of a sample of tissue or cells from a living subject to determine the presence or extent of a disease.
A female dog.
A sac that receives and holds a liquid until it is excreted. Often refers to the urinary bladder.
A medical condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas. Bloat is a very serious health risk for many deep-chested dogs.
The amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood.
Bone marrow is a spongy, fatty tissue that houses stem cells, located inside a few large bones. These stem cells transform into white and red blood cells and platelets.
The rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas through the stomach and/or intestines.
An abnormally slow heart rate.
The large airways within the lungs.
A substance that dilates the airways in the lungs.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measures the amount of urea nitrogen, a waste product of protein metabolism, in the blood. It can be used as an aid to measure kidney function.
Part of the gastrointestinal tract between the small and large intestines. It is a small, coiled organ in dogs.
The build-up of calcium salts in soft tissue, causing it to harden.
A concretion of material, usually mineral salts, that forms in an organ of the body. Bladder or kidney stones are an example.
A class of disease in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth and invasion that destroys adjacent tissues. It may spread to other parts of the body and usually refers to malignant tumours.
A fungus or yeast normally found in areas such as the mouth, genital, and intestinal tracts, but can cause disease in animals.
Pertaining to dogs.
A type of cancer that arises from epithelial cells, which line organs, cavities, glands, and skin.
Pertaining to the heart.
Literally means heart muscle disease.
Relating to both the heart and lungs.
Refers to the circulatory system, including the heart and blood vessels, which transports nutrients and oxygen and removes waste products.
The animal equivalent of the human wrist.
Removal of the testicles.
White opacities in the lens of the eye. Severe cases can cause blindness and may indicate underlying diseases such as diabetes.
Meaning toward the tail or the posterior end of the body.
A region of the brain responsible for motor control and coordination.
A region of the brain that controls emotional, behavioural, and learning functions.
Treatment of cancer using drugs that are more toxic to cancer cells than healthy cells.
A disease of slow onset and long duration (e.g. chronic osteoarthritis).
A chronic liver disease in which healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue.
Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
The process by which the body forms a blood clot to prevent further blood loss.
A disorder affecting the body’s ability to form blood clots.
Microscopic single-celled organisms that infect animal cells and may cause diarrhoea.
Inflammation of the large intestine (colon).
The part of the large intestine extending from the caecum to the rectum.
An antibody-rich milk produced by female animals during the first few days after giving birth.
A state of unconsciousness from which an animal cannot be awakened.
A test (CBC/FBC) that provides information about blood cells and is used to assess health and detect disorders such as anaemia and infection.
An imaging method that combines multiple X-ray images to create cross-sectional views of bones and soft tissues.
A condition that is present at birth.
The tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye (sclera).
Inflammation of the conjunctiva.
A condition where bowel movements are infrequent or difficult, often producing hard, dry stools.
The eating of faeces. Normal in some species but may indicate behavioural or medical issues in others.
Vaccines that are strongly recommended or required, such as those for parvovirus in dogs.
The clear front part of the eye.
Steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands or their synthetic equivalents.
Pertaining to the head or toward the head.
The growth of microorganisms in a controlled environment to diagnose infections and guide treatment.
A condition caused by excessive production of cortisone due to abnormalities in the pituitary or adrenal glands.
Relating to or affecting the skin.
A bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
A sac-like structure in tissue containing fluid or semi-solid material.
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
A branch of pathology that diagnoses disease by examining cells.
The excessive loss of body water.
Pertaining to the skin.
Inflammation of the skin.
A disease where the body is unable to absorb sugars (glucose). It is commonly treated with insulin.
A test used to determine the presence or cause of disease.
Frequent passage of watery faeces, usually indicating gastrointestinal distress or disorder.
The organs responsible for processing food, including the salivary glands, mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, colon, rectum, and anus.
A condition in which the heart chambers are enlarged and the heart muscle is weakened, reducing its ability to pump effectively.
A cleaning process that destroys most microorganisms, though some highly resistant forms may remain.
An infectious viral disease in dogs, with symptoms such as loss of appetite, eye and nose discharge, vomiting, fever, lethargy, paralysis, and potentially death.
A substance that increases urine production.
An animal that is tamed and kept as a pet or for food production.
Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), a condition caused by insufficient tear production.
The first part of the small intestine, extending from the stomach to the jejunum.
The length of time an animal remains protected from a disease after vaccination.
Difficulty swallowing.
Abnormal development of tissues.
Difficult or laboured breathing; shortness of breath.
Difficult birth.
Painful or difficult urination.
The narrow tube between the ear and eardrum through which sound enters the ear.
The thin membrane that separates the middle ear from the external ear. Also called the tympanic membrane.
Mites that live in the ears of animals. They may appear as tiny white dots to the naked eye.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
A test that uses sound waves to create a moving image of the heart (an ultrasound of the heart).
A parasite, such as a flea, that lives on the outside of an animal’s body.
Meaning “out of place,” such as a pregnancy occurring outside the normal location.
Mineral elements essential for life, including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus.
A cone-shaped medical device used to prevent animals from biting, licking, or scratching wounds while healing.
A condition of extreme weight loss and physical wasting.
Vomiting.
Inflammation of the brain.
A disease or disorder affecting the brain.
Relating to hormones and the glands that produce them, which regulate growth, metabolism, and development.
A lighted instrument used to examine internal organs such as the oesophagus, stomach, or airways.
A tube placed into the trachea to assist breathing, commonly used during anaesthesia.
Inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine.
The injection of venom through a bite, sting, or spine.
Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body and are essential for most cellular processes.
The outer layer of the skin.
The medical term for a nosebleed.
Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow due to irritation or injury.
A red blood cell.
Bodily waste matter derived from ingested food that is discharged through the anus; also called stool.
Of or relating to cats.
An unborn animal in the later stages of development, showing recognisable features of the mature animal.
A diagnostic procedure used to investigate superficial lumps or masses. A thin needle is inserted into the mass to collect cells for microscopic examination.
A virus that infects cats (not humans) and is commonly spread through bite wounds. It causes Feline AIDS, weakening the immune system and reducing the ability to fight infections.
The accumulation or passage of excessive gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
A group of conditions affecting the bladder and/or urethra of cats, often causing difficulty urinating and blood in the urine.
A small cavity or narrow opening, such as a hair follicle.
Any abnormal object within the body, such as splinters under the skin or swallowed items in the digestive tract.
A break in bone or other hard tissue, caused by trauma or disease.
The manner of walking or moving. It is assessed to help determine the cause of lameness in animals.
Relating to or involving the stomach.
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
Relating to the stomach and intestines.
The period during which an embryo or foetus develops inside the body.
Pertaining to the gums.
Inflammation of the gums.
A disease of the eye caused by increased pressure within the eyeball, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
The presence of glucose in the urine, which is not normal and may indicate an underlying condition.
A mass or nodule of chronically inflamed tissue.
A malignant tumour of the blood vessels, usually occurring in the skin, liver, or spleen.
The proportion of red blood cells in a blood sample after centrifugation, expressed as a percentage. Normal ranges are typically 40–59% for dogs and 29–50% for cats.
The study of blood and blood-related diseases.
A localised swelling filled with blood outside the blood vessels, usually due to bleeding.
The presence of blood in the urine, often indicating urinary tract disease.
Bleeding.
A parasitic infection caused by Dirofilaria immitis, transmitted by mosquitoes. The worms live in the heart and blood vessels and can cause serious disease in dogs, cats, and other animals.
Relating to or affecting the liver.
Inflammation of the liver.
Abnormal enlargement of the liver.
The protrusion of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it.
A chemical messenger released by glands that affects the function of cells in other parts of the body.
A living organism in or on which a parasite lives.
The offspring of two animals of different breeds, varieties, or species.
An abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can increase pressure in the skull and cause brain damage.
A prefix meaning above or more than normal.
High levels of glucose in the blood.
An increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ.
An exaggerated immune response to substances such as allergens, medications, or insect stings.
High blood pressure.
An abnormally high body temperature.
Overproduction of thyroid hormones, commonly seen in cats.
An increase in the size of an organ or tissue due to enlargement of its cells.
To breathe rapidly and deeply, which can disrupt normal blood gas levels.
A prefix meaning below or less than normal.
Low levels of glucose in the blood.
Incomplete development of a tissue or organ.
Low blood pressure.
An abnormally low body temperature.
Reduced production of thyroid hormones, more commonly seen in dogs.
A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching body tissues.
Also known as jaundice, it is a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, or whites of the eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, a form of diabetes where the body produces little or no insulin, requiring insulin injections for survival.
A disease or condition that arises from an unknown cause.
Lack of motility in the gastrointestinal tract.
The system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and infections.
Conditions resulting from abnormal activity of the immune system, such as immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), where the body destroys its own red blood cells.
A state in which the animal’s immune system can protect the body from a disease-causing agent like a virus or bacteria.
The process of creating immunity against a specific disease, usually via vaccination. Note: vaccination does not always guarantee full immunity if the animal does not respond correctly.
An immune disorder where the body’s defences are weakened, reducing resistance to infections. Can be caused by viruses such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Relating to a substance that suppresses or reduces the activity of the immune system.
A vaccine made from killed viruses or bacteria, also called a killed vaccine, which cannot cause disease.
Loss of control over urination or defecation.
The time between exposure to a pathogen and the appearance of clinical signs of disease.
A pathological state caused by invasion of the body by microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.
The presence of parasites on or in a host animal.
A local response to injury characterised by redness, heat, pain, swelling, and sometimes loss of function.
A trait or condition that is genetically transmitted within a family.
Inborn; a permanent characteristic present from birth.
A hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels.
A condition in which insulin is less effective at lowering blood sugar levels.
A host (animal, insect, snail, etc.) that harbours a parasite temporarily during a transitional stage of its development.
The portion of the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the anus, divided into the small intestine and large intestine.
Located inside the cell.
Located inside the cranial cavity or head.
Administered into a muscle, typically referring to injections.
Administered into the nose; commonly used for vaccines like canine cough.
Administered directly into a vein, often for drugs or fluids.
A serious disorder where part of the intestine telescopes into another part, often causing a blockage.
The coloured part of the eye surrounding the pupil, which is the black central opening.
Also called icterus, a condition where a yellow pigment is found in the blood and tissues. It is most easily seen in the gums and whites of the eyes. Causes include destruction of red blood cells, liver disease, and obstruction of the bile duct.
The second part of the small intestine, extending from the duodenum to the ileum (the final part of the small intestine).
Pertaining to the neck. The jugular veins carry deoxygenated blood from the head back to the heart.
Inflammation of the cornea (the clear part of the eye), causing cloudiness and loss of transparency. All types of keratitis require veterinary treatment.
Also known as dry eye, a condition caused by inadequate tear production.
A life-threatening condition associated with uncontrolled diabetes.
Also called inactivated vaccines. These vaccines are made by killing the disease-causing viruses or bacteria and suspending them in a liquid base.
The secretion of milk from the mammary gland and the period of time a mother lactates to feed her young.
The portion of the intestine that connects the small intestine to the anus. It is made up of the caecum, colon, and rectum.
A distinct juvenile form that many animals (such as insects or parasites) undergo before metamorphosis into adults.
Also known as the voicebox, it is located at the entrance to the trachea. The larynx controls the flow of air to the trachea and food and water to the oesophagus.
A dormant stage of disease occurring between exposure to a disease-causing agent and the onset of the disease.
A large organ in the front of the abdomen responsible for detoxifying blood, producing certain digestive enzymes, and secreting bile.
Small glands composed of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which destroy infectious agents and produce antibodies, playing a critical role in the immune system.
Defined as an animal’s inability to absorb the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs from food.
Refers to becoming worse and potentially resulting in death. Malignant tumours are cancerous growths that expand quickly and can metastasise to other areas of the body.
A condition resulting from an unbalanced diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, excessive, or in the wrong proportions.
Pertaining to the mammary gland or breast tissue.
The lower jaw.
Any of several skin diseases of mammals caused by parasitic mites that burrow into the skin or hair follicles, characterised by lesions, itching, and hair loss.
Cancerous proliferations of mast cells that can spread throughout the body. They are the most frequently recognised malignant or potentially malignant tumours of dogs and may develop anywhere on the body surface or internal organs, with appearances ranging from wart-like nodules to ulcerated masses.
The process of chewing, in which food is crushed and ground by the teeth.
Swelling, inflammation, and infection of the mammary glands.
Antibodies acquired by a newborn via the placenta or colostrum (antibody-rich milk) from the mother.
A functional disorder defined as dilation of the colon or large intestine, leading to infrequent and difficult passage of faeces and constipation.
Darkening of the faeces by digested blood pigments, typically appearing black.
The long bones in the front foot connecting the toes to the carpal bones (wrist).
The spread of disease from one area of the body to another, commonly used for cancerous tumours spreading via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
The long bones in the back foot connecting the toes to the tarsal bones (ankle).
The larval form of some parasitic worms; for example, heartworm microfilariae circulate in the bloodstream of infected dogs.
A microscopic, single-celled organism, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
A vaccine that uses live, attenuated (weakened) bacteria or viruses to elicit an immune response.
Medications capable of breaking down or reducing the viscosity of mucus.
A thin layer of tissue lining cavities exposed to the external or internal environment (e.g., mouth, urinary bladder, eyelids), also called mucous membranes.
Thin layers of tissue lining cavities exposed to the external or internal environment (e.g., mouth, urinary bladder, eyelids), also called mucosa.
Pertaining to the muscles and skeleton (bones).
A neuromuscular disease in which severe muscle weakness is the primary sign, caused by the inability of certain nerve receptors to function properly.
Large or dilated pupil size.
An X-ray of the spinal cord taken after a radio-opaque dye is injected into the space around the spinal cord.
The muscle of the heart.
To convert a liquid into a spray for inhalational treatments.
Also known as an autopsy or post-mortem examination. It refers to the examination of an animal after death.
The premature death of cells and living biological tissue.
Also known as roundworms.
A class of disease in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth and invasion, potentially destroying adjacent tissues and sometimes spreading to other locations. Can describe malignant or benign tumours.
A condition involving dysfunction of the nerves.
Also known as desexing. Involves the surgical removal of the testes in males or the ovaries and uterus in females.
Solid lumps or bumps found on an animal’s skin.
Medications with anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-reducing), and anti-pyretic (fever-reducing) effects. Non-steroidal distinguishes them from steroid-containing anti-inflammatory drugs.
Vaccines recommended for animals assessed to be at risk of a particular disease. Examples include leptospirosis and canine cough in dogs or feline leukaemia and FIV in cats.
Not capable of causing disease.
A term combining “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”, describing a food or part of a food that provides medicinal or health benefits.
Any substance that has nutritious qualities.
Involuntary eye movement, which can be horizontal, vertical, or rotary.
A behavioural condition in which a pet repeatedly performs an action out of context.
Refers to a structure or process that is hidden or detected indirectly.
Pertaining to the eye.
The medical term for fluid retention in the body, causing swelling to occur in the affected area.
The part of the intestinal tract between the mouth and stomach.
Refers to a drug prescribed to treat a condition for which it has not been approved. Off-label use of a drug must be determined by the attending veterinarian.
A synthetic narcotic that resembles naturally occurring opium.
Term to describe an infection of the bone or bone marrow.
Relating to the ear.
Damaging to the structures of the ear.
The release of an egg from the ovary of the female.
A hormone that stimulates the uterus to contract during birth and the mammary glands to release milk.
The volume of blood cells in a sample of blood after it has been centrifuged. The PCV, or haematocrit, is expressed as a percentage. For example, normal for dogs is 40-59% and for cats is 29-50%.
Acceptable to the taste; readily eaten.
The act of feeling with the hand or fingers. A phase of the physical examination in which the sense of touch is used to gather information essential for diagnosis.
A term that describes inflammation of the pancreas. Clinical signs include vomiting, lethargy and a painful abdomen.
Also known as chronic superficial keratitis, it is an inflammatory condition of the cornea in which blood vessels grow across the surface.
A small solid bump rising from the skin that is usually less than 1 centimetre in diameter.
Refers to loss of motor function due to impairment of muscles or nerves.
A substance used to destroy parasites.
Refers to the administration of a drug into the body through some way other than the digestive tract, such as subcutaneous or intravenous injection.
Refers to partial loss of motor function due to impairment of muscles or nerves.
Term used to describe delivery of a baby or giving birth.
Is the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another. It can occur naturally, when maternal antibodies are transferred to the newborn animal in colostrum, and can also be transferred artificially, such as a plasma transfusion.
Causing disease. Usually used to describe bacteria which are capable of causing disease.
Person who specialises in the diagnosis of diseases through the examination of animal tissue and body fluids.
A painful condition of the skin surrounding the anus, in which small tracts open up, bleed and get infected.
The region of the body between the genitals and the anus.
A thin membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities, and covers most abdominal organs.
Inflammation of the peritoneum.
The bones that are in the toes.
Chemicals released by an animal enabling it to communicate with other members of its own species.
Refers to an increase in the reactivity of the skin to sunlight. It can cause reddening and blistering of the skin.
A pattern of eating non-food materials (such as dirt or rocks).
A dummy medication or treatment.
A biofilm that develops naturally on the teeth. It is formed by colonising bacteria trying to attach itself to the smooth surface of a tooth.
Are found in the blood of animals and function to promote blood clotting. Also known as thrombocytes.
The term means inflammation of more than one joint. Often used in the context of infectious or immune-mediated diseases.
Having more than the normal number of toes.
Excessive thirst and drinking.
An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane.
Excessive appetite and eating.
Excessive production of urine.
After surgery or an operation.
The fold of skin that covers the penis.
A hormone produced by the ovaries which is responsible for the continuation of pregnancy and a myriad of other functions.
The forecast outcome of a disease process or treatment.
Describes a medical condition where part of the rectum protrudes through the anus.
Any of a large group of single-celled organisms that live in water or as parasites. Examples include Giardia and Coccidia species.
Itchiness.
Relating to, resembling, or characteristic of parrots.
Pertaining to the lungs.
The artery that carries blood with low levels of oxygen from the heart to the lungs.
The accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
A small lump in the skin filled with pus.
A bacterial infection of the skin.
An accumulation of pus within the uterus.
A breeding female cat.
A branch of veterinary science dealing with the medical use of X-rays to diagnose and treat disease.
Lying down.
Expelling food from the oesophagus.
Pertaining to the kidneys.
Also called renal failure, is when the kidneys no longer function well enough to maintain a normal state of health.
Pertaining to respiration, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Term referring to the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.
Refers to a fungal skin infection.
Microscopic gland in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy substance.
Is a behavioural condition where dogs, when left alone, exhibit distress and behavioural problems.
A toxic state caused by the absorption of pathogenic microorganisms and their products into the bloodstream or tissues.
A toxic state caused by the absorption of pathogenic microorganisms and their products into the bloodstream.
Refers to blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies against an antigen or microorganism.
The clear yellowish fluid obtained upon separating whole blood into its solid and liquid components after it has been allowed to clot.
A term used to describe the release of organisms (bacteria, protozoa, viruses) into the environment from an infected animal.
The microscopic examination of cells that have been collected from the skin.
A diagnostic test used in almost every skin condition. The skin is scraped and the material examined under a microscope.
A special type of muscle responsible for the contractility of hollow organs, such as blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder, or the uterus.
Term referring to the surgical removal of the reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) of the female animal.
A ring of muscle which holds any kind of biological opening closed.
A large abdominal organ with important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system.
Refers to the state in which the normal flow of a body liquid stops, for example the flow of intestinal contents through the digestive tract.
A very serious neurological condition in which the brain experiences a prolonged seizure, or a series of prolonged seizures without a full return to consciousness in between.
Also known as a stricture, is an abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel or other tubular or structure, such as the intestine.
Also known as ammonium magnesium phosphate. Struvite can form stones in the urinary bladder.
Under the skin.
Refers to incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint.
Is the sudden loss of consciousness, or fainting.
Is the most movable and widespread type of joint throughout the body. Examples include the knee, elbow and hip.
Pertaining to or affecting the whole body rather than localised.
Refers to a faster than normal resting heart rate.
Refers to a faster than normal resting respiratory, or breathing, rate.
The animal equivalent of an ankle. It is also known as the hock.
A build-up of bacteria, saliva, and food on the teeth which becomes mineralised, forming a hard coating and eventually causing gum disease and possibly tooth loss.
The joint where the lower jaw bone, or the mandible, meets the skull.
The medical term that refers to a low or reduced platelet count.
Is an organised group of cells, not necessarily identical, that together carry out a specific function.
Is a measure of concentration. Normally refers to the level of antibodies in blood to a particular antigen.
To be applied to external body surfaces such as the skin.
A generic term for the presence of toxin in the blood.
Refers to inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.
A tumour is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
A defect of the skin, cornea or mucous membrane caused by the loss of damaged tissue.
A technique used to produce an image of a deep structure within the body by directing ultrasound waves at it and recording the reflections (echoes) from it.
Also known as the belly button. The umbilicus is where the umbilical cord attaches to the foetus during pregnancy.
Is a salt derived from uric acid. Urate can form stones in the urinary bladder.
Is a compound which is essentially the waste produced when the body metabolises protein.
Is the loss of voluntary control of urination.
A term to describe one of many different conditions that disrupt normal urine flow from the body.
Also known as hives. Raised, itchy areas of skin that are usually a sign of an allergic reaction.
Refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.
The administration of a vaccine to stimulate immunity to a disease.
A vaccine failure is when an animal develops a disease in spite of being vaccinated against it. There is usually nothing wrong with the vaccine, but for some reason, the animal’s immune system did not adequately respond to it.
Inflammation of blood vessels.
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing (constriction) of blood vessels by muscles in their walls.
Vasodilation is the widening (dilation) of blood vessels by the relaxation of the muscles in their walls.
The cranial vena cava is the large vein which returns blood to the heart from the head, neck and both upper limbs. The caudal vena cava returns blood to the heart from the lower part of the body.
The large, muscular chambers of the heart that pump blood to the body or lungs.
Is the system comprised of the inner ear, nerves and brain, that provides a sense of balance.
A small infectious agent that is unable to replicate outside a living animal cell.
Abnormal twisting of the intestines or stomach. This can be a life threatening condition due to the loss of blood supply and accumulation of toxic gases and fluids in the portion of the obstructed bowel segment.
The act of a dog giving birth.
Are cells of the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) and foreign materials.
A time period in the life of a young animal in which the maternal antibodies are too low to provide protection against a certain disease, but too high to allow a vaccine to work and produce immunity.
High-energy electromagnetic radiation used to take radiographs.
A term used to describe any disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from animals to humans.
