Abdomen

The abdomen is that part of the body containing the digestive organs lying between the chest and

pelvis, otherwise known as the ‘belly.’

 

Abdominal air sacs

A pair of air sacs in the abdominal region of birds that may have connections into the bones of the pelvis and

femur; their position within the abdominal cavity may shift during the day to maintain the bird’s streamlined shape

during digestion and egg laying.

 

Abscess

Build up of pus in a cavity; usually associated with infection. A common outcome of cat fights.

 

Acute

A sudden and often severe onset.

 

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a hormonal disorder in dogs where the

body underproduces certain vital steroid hormones

 

Air sacs

Thin-walled, transparent sacs extending from the mesobronchi or the lungs to different regions of the body; they

act as bellows to bring air into the body and store it until expiration. They are found only in birds.

 

Allergen

An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction.

 

Alopecia

Loss of hair from the head or body. Hair loss, or alopecia, can have a variety of causes, including

parasites, hormone imbalance, food allergies and infection.

 

Analgesia

Medication that acts to relieve pain

 

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening, severe allergic reaction and is a medical emergency.

 

Anaemia

A lower than normal level of red blood cells

 

Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia is a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for

veterinary purposes

 

Anorexia

Persistent lack of apetite

 

Antibiotics

is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria.

 

Antibody

Also known as an immunoglobulin is a large Y-shaped protein to identify and neutralize foreign

antigens like bacteria and viruses.

 

Antiemetic

A medication used to treat vomiting and nausea.

 

Antifungal

A medication used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm.

 

Antigen

A substance that triggers the production of an antibody. The immune system recognises an antigen as

a foreign and potentially harmful invader (e.g. bacteria and viruses).

 

Anus

The last part of the digestive tract. At the end of the rectum where stool is expelled out of the body.

 

Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat.

 

Articular

Relating to a joint or joints.

 

Ascites

A build up of fluids collecting in the abdomen.

 

Aspirate

The motion of breathing in. Aspiration can also mean breathing in a foreign object (such as inhaling

food into the airway).

 

Asymptomatic

If a patient is carrying a disease or infection but is not experiencing clinical signs.

 

Ataxia

This is incoordination within the nervous system. It often shows as wobbliness or unsteadiness in

animals.

 

Atopy

A problem with the immune system that makes you more likely to develop allergies. Commonly used

to describe atopic dermatitis, which results in skin irritation and inflammation.

 

Atrium

Is one of the two chambers in the heart that recieves blood from the circulatory system.

 

Atrophy

waste away, especially as a result of the degeneration of cells

 

Attenuated

Weakened or lessened.

 

Auscultate

To examine a patient by using a stethoscope to listen to their heart, lungs or other organs.

 

Auricular feathers

A patch of feathers covering the external ear opening. Their open texture protects the ear

from debris and wind noise, yet helps to channel sounds into the ear.

 

Autoimmune

A medical condition characterized by an overactive immune system which attacks healthy cells within

the body, mistaking normal tissues in the body for harmful substances.

 

Avian

Birds!

 

Avifauna

The set of bird species living in a region

 

Azotaemia

Elevated levels of urea and other nitrogen compounds in the blood, commonly as a result of kidney

malfunction or dehydration.

 

Bacterium

Bacteria! A bacterium is a unicellular microorganism which represents one of the most basic and

primitive forms of life. Bacteria is capable of causing disease in animals.

 

Benign

Not harmful or life-threatening

 

Beak

A bird’s upper and lower jaws, including the external covering; also called the bill.

 

Bilateral

Meaning two sides or both sides of the body.

 

Biodiversity

The great wealth of living organisms that occur on earth

 

Bile

A green/yellow liquid made and released by the liver. It is stored in the gallbladder and plays a vital

role in the digestion of fats.

 

Biopsy

Is the procedure to remove a sample of tissue or cells that can then be tested in the laboratory to

determine presence or extent of a disease.

 

Bitch

A female dog.

 

Bladder

Often refers to The urinary bladder is a sac that recieves and holds liquid until excreted.

 

Bloat

A medical condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas. Bloat is a very

serious health risk for many deep-chested dogs.

 

Blood Glucose

The amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood.

 

Breeding season

The period of time during the year when a particular species may breed.

 

Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is a spongy, fatty tissue that houses stem cells, located inside a few large bones. These

stem cells transform themselves into white and red blood cells and platelets.

 

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate.

 

Bronchi

The large airways within the lungs.

 

Bronchodilator

A substance that dilates the airways in the lungs.

 

Caecum

Part of the gastrointestinal tract between the small and large intestines. It is a small, coiled organ in

dogs.

 

Caeca

In birds, side-pouches that open into the large intestine or rectum.

 

Calcified

The build-up of calcium salts in soft tissue, causing it to harden.

 

Calculus

A build up of material, usually mineral salts, that forms in an organ of the body. Bladder or kidney

stones are an example of calculus.

 

Cancer

A class of disease characterized by the growth of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and has

the ability to destroy normal body tissue. Cancers sometimes spread to other locations in the body.

 

Candida

A fungus or yeast that can normally be found in areas of the body such as the mouth, the genital and

intestinal tracts.

 

Canine

Dogs! Or also the long and pointed teeth found towards the front of your dogs mouth.

 

Carcinoma

A type of cancer that starts in cells that make up the skin or tissue lining organs.

 

Cardiac

Regarding the heart.

 

Cardiomyopathy

Heart muscle disease

 

Cardiopulmonary

A term meaning both the heart and lungs.

 

Cardiovascular

Refers to the heart and blood vessels. In which carries nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the

body and removes carbon dioxide and other wastes.

 

Carpus

The animals wrist.

 

Castration

Removal of the testicles.

 

Cataract

Any focal or diffuse opacity of the normally transparent lens of the eye. This is usually caused by

proteins in the eye that clump together and cloud the eye.

 

Caudal

Towards the tail or end of the animals body.

 

Cerebellum

A specific region of the brain that coordinate and fine tunes your dogs intentional movements.

 

Cerebrum

A region of the brain that controls emotional, behavioural and learning functions.

 

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

 

Chemotherapy

Treatment of cancer with drugs. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.

 

Chronic

A disease of slow onset and of long duration. (e.g. chronic osteoarthritis)

 

Ciliary muscles

Muscles that, in birds, attach to the ciliary processes, which attach to the lens of the eye. When the

ciliary muscles contract, they move the ciliary processes, which squeeze the lens and make it become

more round. In mammals, ciliary muscle contraction relaxes the lens, allowing it to become round by

elastic rebound.

 

Cloaca

Is the rear opening that serves as the only opening digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts

for many vertebrate animals.

 

Coagulation

The process by which the body forms a blood clot that prevents further blood loss from damaged

tissues, blood vessels or organs. Where the liquid changes to a solid or semi solid state.

 

Coagulopathy

A defect in the body’s mechanism for making blood clots.

 

Coccidia

Coccidia are microscopic, single celled parasites that are found in dog feaces. If infected, they can

cause watery or bloody diarrhoea in pets.

 

Colitis

Inflammation of the large intestine (colon).

 

Colon

The section of the large intestine, from the caecum to the rectum.

 

Coma

A state of deep unconsciousness caused by injury or illness from which an animal may not be

awakened.

 

Complete Blood Count

A complete blood count (CBC), also known as full blood count (FBC) or blood panel, is a test that

gives information about the cells in a patient’s bloods.

 

Computerised Tomography Scan (CT Scan)

Also called computerised axial tomography (CAT) scan, this combines a series of X-ray views taken

from many different angles to produce cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside

your pet’s body. To help diagnose a condition or disease.

 

Congenital

A condition that is present at birth.

 

Conjunctiva

The mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eye lid.

 

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection.

 

Constipation

A condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that

are painful or difficult to pass.

 

Coprophagia

The eating of faeces.

 

Cornea

The clear front part of the eye.

 

Corticosteroid

 

Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of

vertebrates, as well as the synthetic analogues of these hormones.

 

Cranial

Skull or head.

 

Crop

The crop is a thin-walled, expanded portion of the alimentary tract, which is used for the storage of

food before digestion.

 

Culture

Used to diagnose and guide treatment for infectious diseases.

 

Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing syndrome happens when the body has too much of the hormone cortisol for a long

time.

 

Cutaneous

Relating to, or affecting the skin.

 

Cyanosis

Bluish or greyish colour of the skin, nails, lips or around the eyes.

 

Cyst

An abnormal, usually noncancerous growth filled with liquid or a semisolid substance, sometimes

causing pain.

 

Cystitis

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that almost always follows (is secondary to) bacterial

infection in the urine.

 

Cytology

Refers to a branch of pathology that deals with making diagnoses of diseases based on the

examination of cells.

 

Dehydration

The excessive loss of body water

 

Dermal

Pertaining to the skin.

 

Dermatitis

A condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the skin.

 

Diabetes Mellitus

A disease where the body is unable to absorb sugars (glucose). It is commonly treated with insulin.

 

Diagnostic Test

A test to determine the presence or cause of disease.

 

Diarrhoea

Frequent passing of loose, watery and unformed faeces.

 

Digestive System

This system is responsible for the transit and metabolism of food in the body. These organs include

salivary glands, mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, colon,

rectum, and anus.

 

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

A condition in which the chambers of the heart are enlarged. The heart muscle is weakened and

cannot pump effectively.

 

Disinfection

A cleaning process which destroys microorganisms that you cannot see with human eye but with a

microscope.

 

Distemper

A viral disease occurring in dogs. Clinical signs include loss of appetite, a discharge from the eyes

and nose, vomiting, fever, lethargy, partial paralysis and sometimes death.

 

Diuretic

Increased passing of urine.

 

Dry Eye

Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), it occurs when tears aren’t able to provide adequate

moisture.

 

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine.

 

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing.

 

Dysplasia

A term used to describe the presence of abnormal cells within a tissue or organ.

 

Dyspnoea

Difficult or laboured breathing.

 

Dystocia

Difficult birth.

 

Dysuria

Painful and difficult urination.

 

Ear Canal

The narrow tube that runs from the outer ear to the ear drum.

 

Ear Drum

The thin membrane that separates the middle ear from the middle ear.

 

Ear Mites

Mites that live in the ears of animals. They most likely only seen with a microscope.

 

ECG

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

 

Echocardiogram

A test of the action of the heart, using ultrasound to produce a visual display for diagnosis or

monitoring of heart disease.

 

Ectoparasite

A parasite that lives on the exterior of an animal, such as a flea or tick.

 

Ectopic

Meaning “out of place.”

 

Electrolyte

Mineral elements that are critically important to life, including sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium,

and phosphorous.

 

Elizabethan Collar

A device that is shaped just like a cone and is put around the animals neck. It is used to prevent the

animal from biting, licking, and scratching at wounds.

 

Emaciation

The state of extreme thinness from absence of body fat and muscle, usually resulting from

malnutrition.

 

Emesis

The action of vomiting.

 

Endocrine

This is the hormones and the glands that make them. These hormones regulate an animal’s growth,

physiology and sexual development.

 

Endoscope

A medical instrument that can be used to examine internal organs such as the oesophagus, stomach

or airways.

 

Endotracheal Tube

A breathing tube placed into the trachea. Used during surgery it acts as the airway supplying oxygen

to the airways.

 

Enteritis

Inflammation of the small intestine.

 

Envenomation

The act of injecting a poisonous venom by sting, spine or bite.

 

Enzyme

Enzymes are proteins that increase the rate of chemical reaction.

 

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin.

 

Epistaxis

Nose bleed.

 

Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by injury or another inflammation causing condition.

 

Faeces

Bodily waste that was not digested in the small intestine and has been broken down by bacteria in the

large intestine and excreted out of the body. Also known as poo!

 

Feline

Cats!

 

Foetus

An unborn offspring that develops from a mammal embryo.

 

Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)

A diagnostic procedure that uses a needle and syringe to get a tissue or fluid sample from a

suspicious mass. This will then be stained and examined under a microscope by a vet.

 

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus that infects cats. It is transmitted by cats biting one another. It is a progressive deficiency of

the immune system.

 

Flatulence

Gas in the gastro intestinal tract.

 

FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease)

Describes a collection of conditions that can affect the urinary tract (bladder and/or urethra) of cats.

 

Foreign Body

Commonly used to describe foreign material under the skin (eg splinters or grass seed) or in the

gastrointestinal tract (e.g. toys, balls, bones).

 

Fracture

Breaking of hard tissue such as bone. May be caused by trauma or bone disease.

 

Gait

The manner of walking or moving. Assessed to determine the cause of lameness in animals.

 

Gastric

Relating to or involving the stomach.

 

Gastritis

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

 

Gastrointestinal

Relating to the stomach and intestines.

 

Gestation

The carrying of an embryo or foetus

 

Gingival

Pertaining to the gums.

 

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums.

 

Gizzard

A muscular thick walled part of a birds stomach for grinding food.

 

Glaucoma

A disease of the eye caused by increased pressure within the eyeball.

 

Glucosuria

The presence of glucose in the urine.

 

Granuloma

A mass or nodule of chronically inflamed tissue.

 

Haemangiosarcoma

A malignant tumour arising from cells of the blood vessels. Usually occurring in the skin, liver or

spleen.

 

Haematocrit

The volume of red blood cells in a sample of blood after it has been centrifuged (spun at high speeds).

 

Haematology

The study and treatment of the blood.

 

Haematoma

A localised swelling filled with blood outside the blood vessels.

 

Haematuria

Presence of blood in urine.

 

Haemorrhage

Escaping blood from a ruptured blood vessel.

 

Heartworm

A parasite that is spread from host to host via the bites of mosquitoes.The worms mature in the heart

and may cause a physical blockage as well as thickening of the heart and associated blood vessels.

 

Hepatic

Associated with the liver.

 

Hepatitis

Liver inflammation.

 

Hepatomegaly

Enlargement of the liver.

 

Hernia

Protrusion of an organ through a wall of the cavity should be enclosed.

 

Hormone

A chemical released by a cell or a gland in one part of the body.

 

Host

A living animal which inhibits parasites.

 

Hydrocephalus

An abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the cranial cavity. This may cause

enlargement of the head in which could lead to brain damage and death.

 

Hyper

More than normal.

 

Hyperglycaemia

High levels of glucose in the blood.

 

Hyperplasia

An increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ.

 

Hypersensitivity

Extreme physical sensitivity to particular substances or conditions.

 

Hypertension

High blood pressure.

 

Hyperthermia

High body temperature.

 

Hyperthyroidism

Increased production of thyroid hormones caused by an overactive thyroid gland.

 

Hyperventilate

Breathing excessively hard and fast.

 

Hypoglycaemia

When levels of glucose is lower then the standard range.

 

Hypotension

Low blood pressure.

 

Hypothermia

Extremely low body temperature.

 

Hypothyroidism

Decreased production of thyroid hormones caused by an underactive thyroid gland.

 

Hypoxia

Deficiency of oxygen delivered to the body tissues.

 

Icterus

Jaundice

A yellow discolouration of the skin, mucous membranes or whites of the eyes due to high

levels of bilirubin in the blood.

 

IDDM

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This is a form of diabetes where patients very little or no ability to

produce insulin.

 

Idiopathic

Disease from an unknown cause.

 

Ileus

Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.

 

Immune System

The system that protects the body from foreign substances.

 

Immunity

A condition in which the animal’s immune system has been primed and is able to protect the body.

 

Immunisation

The creation of immunity usually against a particular disease. Vaccination is a way to produce

immunisation.

 

Immunodeficiency

A decreased ability of the body to fight infections and other diseases.

 

Immunosuppressive

A substance that suppresses the immune system.

 

Incontinence

Loss of control over urination or defaecation.

 

Incubation Period

The time between infection and symptoms of the disease.

 

Infection

Invasion of the body by microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses.

 

Infestation

Overrun by parasites.

 

Inflammation

The body’s response to injury that is shown by redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of

function.

 

Inherited

Genetically transmitted features.

 

Innate

A characteristic present since birth.

 

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the pancreas to regulate glucose in the body.

 

Insulin Resistance

When insulin becomes less effective at lowering blood sugars.

 

Intermediate Host

A host that has a parasite only for a short amount of time.

 

Intestine

The part of the gastrointestinal tract going from the stomach to the anus.

 

Intracellular

Inside the cell.

 

Intracranial

Inside the cranial cavity or head.

 

Intramuscular

Into the muscle. Generally relates to the site an injection is given.

 

Intranasal

Into the nose.

 

Intravenous

Into the vein. Generally relates to the site of injection of drugs or fluids.

 

Intussusception

Serious disorder in which part of the intestine slides, or telescopes, into another part of the intestine.

This often blocks the intestine, preventing food or fluid from passing through.

 

Iris

The coloured portion of the eye is called the iris. In the centre of the iris is the black opening called the

pupil.

 

Jaundice

Also called icterus, meaning that a yellow pigment is found in the blood and in the tissues. It is most

easily seen in the gums and the whites of eyes. It can be caused by destruction of red blood cells,

liver disease and obstruction of the bile duct.

 

Jejunum

The second part of the small intestine. The jejunum extends from the duodenum (first part of the small

intestine) to the ileum (the final part of the small intestine).

 

Jugular

Relating to the neck. The jugular veins carry deoxygenated blood from the head back to the heart.

 

Keratitis

Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea (the clear part of the eye). The cornea becomes cloudy,

resulting in loss of transparency.

 

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Also known as dry eye, is a condition that results from the inadequate production of tears.

 

Ketoacidosis

A life-threatening condition associated with uncontrolled diabetes.

 

Killed Vaccine

Also known as inactivated vaccines. Vaccines which are made by taking the real, disease-causing

viruses (or bacteria), killing them, and putting them into a liquid base.

 

Lactation

The secretion of milk from the mammary gland and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed

her young.

 

Large Intestine

The portion of the intestine that connects the small intestine to the anus. The large intestine is made

up of the caecum, colon and rectum.

 

Larynx

Also known as the voicebox, it is located at the entrance to the trachea (or windpipe). The larynx acts

to control the flow of air to the trachea and food and water to the oesophagus.

 

Liver

A large organ in the front of the abdomen that is responsible for the detoxification of blood, the

production of certain digestive enzymes and bile.

 

Lymph Nodes

Small, bean-shaped masses of lymphoid tissue enclosed by a capsule of connective tissue that occur

in association with the lymphatic vessels. As part of the lymphatic system, lymph nodes serve as

filters for the blood, providing specialised tissues where foreign antigens can be trapped and exposed

to cells of the immune system for destruction.

 

Malignant

Refers to becoming worse and even resulting in death. Malignant tumours are cancerous growths

which expand quickly and can metastasize, or spread to other areas of the body.

 

Malnutrition

a serious health condition that happens when you do not have enough of the right

nutrients to meet your body’s needs.

 

Mammary

Pertaining to the mammary gland or breast tissue.

 

Mandible

The lower jaw.

 

Mange

Any of several skin diseases of mammals caused by parasitic mites that burrow into the skin or hair

follicles.It is characterised by skin lesions, itching and loss of hair.

 

Mast Cell Tumour

Mast cell tumours are cancerous proliferations of mast cells that can spread throughout the body.

These tumours are the most frequently recognised malignant or potentially malignant tumours of

dogs. They may develop anywhere on the body surface as well as in internal organs. Mast cell

tumours have varying appearances ranging from a wart-like nodule to an ulcerated mass to a small

lump. They are the most common type of skin tumour found in dogs and second most common skin

tumour in cats.

 

Mastitis

Refers to swelling, inflammation, and infection of the mammary glands.

 

Megacolon

An abnormal dialation of the colon that is not caused by mechanical obstruction

 

Melaena

Darkening of the faeces by digested blood pigments. Typically the faeces look black in colour.

 

Metacarpus

The long bones in the front foot connecting the toes to the bones of the wrist (carpus).

 

Metastasis

The spread of disease from one area of the body to another. Normally used in the context of a

cancerous tumour spreading via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

 

Metatarsus

The long bones in the back foot connecting the toes to the bones of the ankle (tarsus).

 

Microorganism

A microscopic, single-celled organism. Microorganisms include bacteria, fungi and viruses.

 

Modified Live Vaccine

A vaccine that utilises a live, attenuated (weakened) bacteria or virus to elicit an immune response.

 

Mucosa

Thin layer of tissue lining cavities that are exposed to the external environment and internal

environment (such as the mouth, urinary bladder, eyelids). Also known as mucous membranes.

 

Mucous Membranes

Thin layer of tissue lining cavities that are exposed to the external environment and internal

environment (such as the mouth, urinary bladder, eyelids). Also known as mucosa.

 

Musculoskeletal

Pertaining to the muscles and skeleton (bones).

 

Myasthenia Gravis

Is a neuromuscular disease in which severe muscle weakness is the primary sign. It is caused by an

inability of certain nerve receptors to function properly.

 

Mydriasis

Large or dilated pupil size.

 

Myocardium

Muscle of the heart.

 

Nebulise

To convert a liquid into a spray for inhalational treatments.

 

Necropsy

Also known as an autopsy or post-mortem examination. It refers to the examination of an animal after

death.

 

Necrosis

Is the premature death of cells and living biological tissue.

 

Nematodes

Also known as roundworms.

 

Neoplasia

A type of abnormal and excessive growth of tissue.

 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is when nerve damage leads to pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in one or more

parts of your body

 

Nodule

Nodules are solid lumps or bumps found on an animal’s skin.

 

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are medicines that are used to relieve pain and reduce swelling (inflammation)

 

Nutrient

Any substance which has nutritious qualities.

 

Nystagmus

A term describe involuntary eye movement. Nystagmus can be horizontal, vertical or rotary.

Obsessive Compulsive

A behavioural condition in which a pet repeatedly performs an action out of context.

 

Ocular

Pertaining to the eye.

 

Oedema

The medical term for fluid retention in the body, causing swelling to occur in the affected area.

 

Oesophagus

The part of the intestinal tract between the mouth and stomach.

 

Off Label

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.

 

Opioid

A synthetic narcotic that resembles naturally occurring opium.

 

Osteomyelitis

Term to describe an infection of the bone or bone marrow.

 

Otic

Relating to the ear.

 

Ovulate

The release of an egg from the ovary of the female

 

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates the uterus to contract during birth and the mammary glands to release milk.

 

Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

The volume of blood cells in a sample of blood after it has been centrifuged The PCV, or haematocrit,

is expressed as a percentage.

 

Palatable

Pleasant to taste

 

Palpation

A method of feeling with the hands and fingers during physical examination.

 

Pancreatitis

inflammation of the pancreas. It can be acute or chronic associated with various signs

including vomiting, lethargy and a painful abdomen.

 

Pannus

Pannus or chronic superficial keratitis is an immune-mediated condition that affects the cornea

or clear part of the eye.

 

Paralysis

the loss of the ability to move in part or most of the body.

 

Parasiticide

a substance used in medicine and veterinary medicine to kill parasites

 

Parenterally

refers to the intravenous administration of nutrition and medications by bypassing

the gastrointestinal system.

 

Paresis

a condition of muscular weakness caused by nerve damage or disease; partial paralysis:

 

Parturition

Term used to describe delivery of a baby or giving birth.

 

Pathogenic

Causing disease. Usually used to describe bacteria which are capable of causing disease.

 

Pathologist

Person who specialises in the diagnosis of diseases through the examination of animal tissue and

body fluids.

 

PCV (Packed Cell Volume)

The volume of blood cells in a sample of blood after it has been centrifuged. The PCV, or haematocrit,

is expressed as a percentage

 

Perianal Fistula

A painful condition of the skin surrounding the anus, in which small tracts open up, bleed and get

infected.

 

Perineal

The region of the body between the genitals and the anus.

 

Peritoneum

A thin membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities, and covers most abdominal organs.

 

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum.

 

Pheromone

Chemicals released by an animal enabling it to communicate with other members of its own species.

 

Pica

A pattern of eating non-food materials (such as dirt or rocks).

 

Pin feathers

Developing feathers that are still surrounded by a feather sheath.

 

Placebo

A dummy medication or treatment.

 

Plaque

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.

 

Platelets

Are found in the blood of animals and functions to promote blood clotting. Also known as

thrombocytes.

 

Polyarthritis

The term means inflammation of more than one joint. Often used in the context of infectious or

immune-mediated diseases.

 

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst and drinking.

 

Polyp

An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane.

 

Polyphagia

Excessive appetite and eating.

 

Polyuria

Excessive production of urine.

 

Postoperative

After surgery or an operation.

 

Prepuce

The fold of skin that covers the penis.

 

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the ovaries which is responsible for the continuation of pregnancy and a

myriad of other functions.

 

Prognosis

The forecasted outcome of a disease process or treatment.

 

Prolapsed Rectum

Describes a medical condition where part of the rectum protrudes through the anus.

 

Primary feathers

The flight feathers of the outer wing; they are attached to the manus.

 

Pruritus

Itchiness.

 

Psittacine

Relating to, resembling, or characteristic of parrots.

 

Psittacine beak and feather disease

is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects parrots

 

Pulmonary

Pertaining to the lungs.

 

Pulmonary Arteries

The artery that carries blood with low levels of oxygen from the heart to the lungs.

 

Pulmonary Oedema

The accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

 

Pyoderma

A bacterial infection of the skin.

 

Pyometra

An accumulation of pus within the uterus.

 

Queen

A breeding female cat.

 

Radiology

A branch of veterinary science dealing with the medical use of X-rays to diagnose and treat disease

and guide their treatmment.

 

Raptors

Members of the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes, which contain all the diurnal and nocturnal

birds of prey.

 

Recumbency

Lying down.

 

Regurgitation

Expelling food from the oesophagus.

 

Renal

Relating to the kidneys.

 

Renal Insufficiency

Also called renal failure, is when the kidneys no longer function well enough to maintain a normal

state of health.

 

Respiratory

Pertaining to respiration, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

 

Retina

Term referring to the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye.

 

Ringworm

Refers to a fungal skin infection.

 

Sebaceous Glands

Microscopic gland in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy substance.

 

Separation Anxiety

Is a behavioural condition where dogs, when left alone, exhibit distress and behavioural problems.

 

Sepsis

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection

causes injury to its own tissues and organs

 

Serology

Serology is a group of tests that measure the presence of antibodies and antigens in your blood.

 

Serum

an amber-coloured, protein-rich liquid which separates out when blood coagulate

 

Skin Cytology

The microscopic examination of cells that have been collected from the skin.

 

Skin Scraping

Procedure that collects the superficial dead layers of the skin to check for fungi or parasites under the

microscope

 

Spey (ovariohysterectomy)

Term referring to the surgical removal of the reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) of the female

animal.

 

Sphincter

A sphincter is a ring of muscle that normally maintains constriction of a natural body passage or

orifice and which relaxes as required by normal physiological functioning.

 

Spleen

A large abdominal organ with important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system.

 

Stenosis

Stenosis is the narrowing or restriction of a blood vessel or valve that reduces blood flow.

 

Struvite

Struvite can form stones in the urinary bladder.

 

Subcutaneous

Under the skin.

 

Subluxation

Incomplete or partial dislocation

 

Syncope

fainting , or loss of consciousness

 

Synovial Joint

Is the most movable and widespread type of joint throughout the body. Examples include the knee,

elbow and hip.

 

Systemic

Pertaining to or affecting the whole body rather than localised.

 

Tachycardia

a faster than normal resting heart rate.

 

Tachypnoea

Rapid and shallow breathing

 

Tartar

A hard deposit that forms on teeth when plaque is not removed regularly

 

Tissue

Is an organised group of cells, not necessarily identical, that together carry out a specific function.

 

Titre

Is a measure of concentration. Normally refers to the level of antibodies in blood to a particular

antigen.

 

Topical

To be applied to external body surfaces such as the skin.

 

Tumour

A tumour is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or

non-cancerous (benign).

 

Ulcer

Ulcer, a lesion or sore on the skin or mucous membrane resulting from the gradual

disintegration of surface epithelial tissue.

 

Ultrasound

Form of diagnostic imaging the use of high-frequency sound (ultrasonic) waves to produce images of

structures in the body.

 

Umbilicus

Also known as the belly button. The umbilicus is where the umbilical cord attaches to the foetus

during pregnancy.

 

Urate

Is a salt derived from uric acid. Urate can form stones in the urinary bladder.

 

Urea

Is a compound which is essentially the waste produced when the body metabolises protein.

 

Urinary Incontinence

Loss of voluntary control of urination.

 

Urinary Obstruction

A term to describe one of many different conditions that disrupt normal urine flow from the body.

 

Uveitis

Refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the ey, the uvea

 

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to help the immune system.

 

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels.

 

Vasoconstriction

Constriction of blood vessels by muscles in their walls.

 

Vasodilation

Dilation of blood vessels by the relaxation of the muscles in their walls.

 

Vena Cava

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.

 

Ventricle

The large, muscular chambers of the heart that pump blood to the body or lungs.

 

Vestibular System

Is the system comprised of the inner ear, nerves and brain, that provides a sense of balance.

 

Virus

A small infectious agent that is unable to replicate outside a living animal cell.

 

Volvulus

A volvulus is when a loop of intestine twists around itself and the mesentery that supports it, resulting

in a bowel obstruction.

 

Whelping

The act of a dog giving birth.

 

White Blood Cells

White blood cells are the soldiers of the immune system. They protect the body from harmful

invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cancer cells.

 

X-ray

High-energy electromagnetic radiation used to take radiographs.

 

Zoonosis

Zoonosis or a zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can pass from animals to humans.