GLOSSARY

▬ Veterinary Wellness Partners ▬

A

Anesthesia - A controlled state of unconsciousness produced by medication that allows a pet to undergo a procedure without feeling pain or being aware of what is happening. Your pet is carefully monitored throughout anesthesia.

Arrhythmia - Irregular or missed heartbeat.

Arthritis - Inflammation and degeneration of a joint that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. Arthritis is common in older pets but can affect pets of any age.

Aspiration - When food, liquid, saliva, or another substance is accidentally inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia or other respiratory problems.

B

Biopsy - A small sample of tissue that is removed and examined under a microscope to help determine the cause of an abnormality, such as a mass or lesion.

Blood Chemistry - A blood test that measures substances such as proteins, electrolytes, glucose, and enzymes to provide information about organ function and overall health.

Bloodwork - Laboratory testing performed on a blood sample. Bloodwork can provide information about a pet's overall health and help detect or monitor conditions affecting organs, blood cells, and other body systems.

Brachycephalic - Describes dogs and cats with shortened, broad skulls and flat or shortened noses, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Persian cats. These pets can have unique breathing and health concerns.

C

Cardiac - Relating to the heart.

Cardiomyopathy - A disease of the heart muscle that can affect how effectively the heart pumps blood. Different types of cardiomyopathy affect pets in different ways.

CBC (Complete Blood Count) - A blood test that evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC can provide information about anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding, and other health conditions.

Chronic - Describes a condition or disease that persists over a long period of time or requires ongoing management.

Congestive Heart Failure - A condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs, resulting in fluid buildup, often in or around the lungs or abdomen.

Cytology - The examination of individual cells under a microscope. Cytology can help identify inflammation, infection, or abnormal cells and is commonly used to evaluate lumps, bumps, and skin or ear samples.

D

Dental Disease - Disease affecting the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth. Dental disease is extremely common in pets and can cause pain, infection, tooth loss, and other health problems if left untreated.

Diabetes Mellitus - A condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar because of problems with insulin production or response to insulin. Diabetes can usually be managed with appropriate veterinary care, diet, and medication.

Dysuria - Difficulty or pain urinating.

E

Echocardiogram - An ultrasound examination of the heart that allows a veterinarian or veterinary cardiologist to evaluate the heart's structure and function, including the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow.

Edema - Swelling caused by an abnormal buildup of fluid within body tissues.

ECG/EKG (Electrocardiogram) - A test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can help identify abnormal heart rhythms and other cardiac concerns.

Engorgement - Congested; filled with fluid.

F

Fecal Examination (Intestinal Parasite Test) - A laboratory test performed on a stool sample to look for intestinal parasites and their eggs or other abnormalities.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) - A contagious virus that affects cats and can weaken the immune system and contribute to other serious health problems. Testing and vaccination may be recommended depending on a cat's risk.

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) - A virus that affects a cat's immune system. FIV is primarily spread through bite wounds between cats and can cause long-term immune system problems.

G

Glucose-Tolerance Test - Blood test done to evaluate the body's response to sugar.

H

Heart Murmur - An abnormal sound heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. A murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart or nearby blood vessels. Some murmurs are harmless, while others can indicate heart disease.

Heartworm Disease - A serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites. Heartworms primarily affect the heart and lungs. Year-round prevention is the best way to protect dogs and cats.

Heartworm Test - A blood test used to check for evidence of heartworm infection. Regular testing and year-round prevention are important parts of protecting pets from heartworm disease.

Hematocrit (HCT) - The percentage of blood that is made up of red blood cells. A low hematocrit can indicate anemia, while an elevated level can occur for several reasons, including dehydration.

Hyperthyroidism - A condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It is particularly common in older cats and can cause weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst, vomiting, or changes in behavior.

Hypothyroidism - A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It is more commonly diagnosed in dogs and can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin or coat changes.

I

Inflammation - The body's natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. Inflammation can cause redness, swelling, heat, pain, or changes in normal tissue function.

Insulin - Peptide hormone made by the pancreas. It promotes the use of glucose.

Intravenous (IV) - A method of giving fluids or medications directly into a vein. An IV catheter may be placed during anesthesia, surgery, or treatment of illness.

J

Jaundice - Yellow staining of the skin, sclera (eyes) and deeper tissues of the body. Caused by excessive amounts of bilirubin. Treated with phototherapy.

K

Kidney Disease - A condition in which the kidneys are damaged or unable to function normally. Kidney disease can affect the body's ability to remove waste, regulate fluids, and maintain proper electrolyte balance.

Kidney Stones - Small mass or lesion found in the kidney or urinary tract. Can block the flow of urine.

L

Laparoscopy - Minor surgical procedure performed for tubal ligation, diagnosis of pelvic pain or diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

Liver Enzymes - Substances measured in bloodwork that can provide information about the liver and other body systems. Abnormal liver enzyme levels may have many possible causes and do not always mean that the liver itself is diseased.

Lymph Nodes - Small structures that are part of the immune system. Lymph nodes help filter fluid and respond to infection, inflammation, and other conditions. Enlarged lymph nodes may be a sign that the immune system is responding to something.

M

Mass - A lump or abnormal area of tissue. Masses can have many causes, including benign growths, cysts, inflammation, or cancer. Testing may be recommended to determine what a mass is.

Microchip - A tiny identification chip placed under a pet's skin that contains a unique identification number. A microchip can help reunite a lost pet with their family and is not a GPS tracking device.

N

Neuter - A surgical procedure that removes a male animal's testicles, making him unable to reproduce. Neutering can also provide certain health and behavioral benefits.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) - A group of medications used to reduce pain and inflammation. Veterinary NSAIDs are specifically prescribed for pets and should only be given according to your veterinarian's instructions.

O

Oncology - The branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Osteoarthritis - A degenerative condition affecting the joints that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis is common in older pets but can occur at any age.

Otitis - Inflammation or infection of the ear. Otitis can affect the outer, middle, or inner portions of the ear and may cause itching, redness, odor, discharge, or pain.

Outpatient Procedure - A procedure in which a pet receives treatment or surgery and is expected to return home the same day rather than staying overnight in the hospital.

P

Pancreatitis - Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Pancreatitis can range from mild to severe.

Parvovirus - A highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects dogs and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and illness. Vaccination is the best protection against canine parvovirus.

Periodontal Disease - Infection and inflammation affecting the tissues that support the teeth. Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats and can cause pain, tooth loss, and other health complications.

ProBNP - A blood test that measures a substance released by the heart when it is experiencing increased stress or strain. ProBNP testing can provide additional information about heart health and may help determine whether further cardiac evaluation is recommended.

Prognosis - A veterinarian's expected outlook for how a disease or condition may progress and the likelihood of recovery, improvement, or long-term management.

Prophylaxis - A treatment or preventive measure intended to prevent disease or illness before it occurs. Preventive dental cleanings and parasite prevention are examples of prophylactic care.

Pyometra - A serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus that can occur in unspayed female dogs and cats. Spaying prevents pyometra.

Q

Quality of Life - An assessment of a pet's overall physical and emotional well-being. Veterinarians may consider appetite, mobility, comfort, behavior, and ability to enjoy normal activities when discussing a pet's quality of life.

R

Radiograph / X-ray - An imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body. Radiographs are commonly used to evaluate bones, the chest, abdomen, and other areas.

Referral - A recommendation for your pet to see another veterinary professional or specialist when additional expertise, equipment, or advanced treatment may be beneficial.

Recheck Examination - A follow-up appointment used to evaluate how a pet is responding to treatment, recovering from a procedure, or progressing with a medical condition.

Regurgitation - The passive return of undigested food or liquid from the esophagus into the mouth. Unlike vomiting, regurgitation generally occurs without the abdominal effort associated with vomiting.

RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician) - A veterinary professional who has completed an approved veterinary technology education program, met state requirements, and obtained the appropriate credential. RVTs perform many important medical and nursing duties under veterinary supervision.

S

Sedation - Medication used to help a pet become relaxed, calm, and less aware of their surroundings. Sedation may be used for certain procedures, examinations, or treatments.

Seizure - A sudden, uncontrolled burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in movement, awareness, behavior, or consciousness.

Spay - A surgical procedure that removes a female animal's reproductive organs, preventing pregnancy. Spaying also prevents pyometra and eliminates the risk of certain reproductive diseases.

Subcutaneous (SQ) - Under the skin. This term is commonly used when describing certain injections or the administration of fluids beneath the skin.

T

Titer - A blood test that measures the level of antibodies against a specific disease. Depending on the disease and individual circumstances, a titer may help assess whether a pet has an immune response.

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) - A surgical procedure commonly used to treat a torn cranial cruciate ligament in dogs. The procedure changes the angle of the top of the tibia to help stabilize the knee during weight-bearing.

TPR - An abbreviation for temperature, pulse, and respiration. These basic measurements provide important information about a pet's overall health and condition.

U

Ultrasound - An imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of internal organs and other soft tissues. Ultrasound does not use radiation and is commonly used to examine the abdomen, heart, and other areas.

Urinalysis - A laboratory test that evaluates a urine sample for things such as concentration, blood, protein, glucose, cells, crystals, and signs of infection or other disease.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - An infection affecting part of the urinary system, most commonly the bladder. UTIs can cause frequent urination, straining, accidents, blood in the urine, or discomfort when urinating.

V

Vaccination - A preventive treatment that helps prepare the immune system to recognize and fight specific infectious diseases. Vaccination is an important part of protecting pets and preventing the spread of disease.

Veterinary Technician - A trained veterinary professional who performs many medical and nursing duties under the supervision of a veterinarian. Veterinary technicians may assist with examinations, anesthesia, surgery, laboratory testing, dentistry, patient monitoring, and client education.

Vital Signs - Basic measurements used to assess a pet's health, including temperature, pulse, respiration, mucous membrane color, and other observations.

W

Wellness Examination - A routine veterinary examination designed to assess your pet's overall health and detect potential problems before they become more serious. Wellness visits also provide an opportunity to discuss preventive care, nutrition, behavior, and parasite prevention.

White Blood Cells (WBC) - Blood cells that help the body fight infection and respond to inflammation and other immune system challenges. White blood cell numbers are commonly evaluated as part of a CBC.

X

X-ray - See Radiograph. An imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of structures inside the body.

Xylitol - A sweetener found in some sugar-free foods, candies, gum, dental products, and other items. Xylitol can be extremely toxic to dogs and may cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver injury. If you believe your pet has ingested xylitol, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control service immediately.

Y

Yeast Infection - An overgrowth of yeast that can occur on the skin or in the ears. Yeast infections may cause itching, redness, odor, inflammation, or discharge.

Z

Zoonotic Disease / Zoonosis - A disease that can be transmitted between animals and people. Good hygiene, parasite prevention, vaccination, and appropriate handling of animals can help reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases.