Veterinary Glossary for Dog Owners

Thickening of the outer layer of the skin, often due to chronic irritation or hormonal imbalances.

Absence of bile pigments in stool, often causing pale or gray feces and suggesting reduced bile flow.

A benign tumor arising from glandular tissue.

An enzyme produced by liver cells; elevated levels in blood may indicate liver damage.

An enzyme found in liver, bone, and other tissues; elevated levels may indicate liver disease or bone growth.

A condition where the blood pH is higher than normal, often due to loss of acids or excess base.

A tick-borne bacterial disease causing fever, anemia, and loss of appetite in dogs.

The surgical joining of two structures, such as blood vessels or intestines.

A reduction in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to fatigue and weakness.

A flat sheet of fibrous tissue that acts as a tendon to attach muscles to bone.

Inflammation of joints causing pain and reduced mobility, often leading to behavioral changes like reluctance to play or jump.

Surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint to relieve pain and restore function.

A minimally invasive procedure to examine and treat joint issues using a small camera and instruments.

Degenerative joint disease, often synonymous with osteoarthritis.

An enzyme found in liver and muscle; elevated levels indicate tissue damage.

A fungal infection typically affecting the respiratory system, caused by Aspergillus species.

Elevated levels of nitrogenous waste in the blood, indicating kidney dysfunction.

A tick-borne protozoal disease causing anemia and fever in dogs.

A systemic fungal infection affecting lungs, skin, and bones, caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis.

A measure of kidney function; elevated levels indicate reduced kidney efficiency.

Another term for Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted by ticks.

Inflammation of the bronchi, often causing coughing and difficulty breathing.

A bacterial infection causing reproductive issues, such as abortions in dogs.

A malignant tumor arising from epithelial tissue.

Disease of the heart muscle, leading to weakened pumping ability.

A blood test evaluating red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels.

Inflammation of cellular or connective tissue under the skin, often due to bacterial infection.

A fungal infection (valley fever) affecting lungs and other organs, common in arid regions.

Intestinal infection caused by coccidia protozoa, leading to diarrhea in young animals.

Inflammation of the colon (large intestine), leading to frequent small amounts of stool with mucus, blood, or straining; often from stress, parasites, or diet.

Endoscopic examination of the colon to diagnose gastrointestinal issues.

A state of deep unconsciousness from which the animal cannot be aroused.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva (pink eye), causing redness and discharge.

A ligament in the knee joint; rupture causes lameness and instability.

Surgical repair of a defect in the skull.

Bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels.

Inflammation of the urinary bladder, often causing frequent and painful urination.

A progressive spinal cord disease causing weakness and incoordination in hind limbs.

Inflammation of the skin, often due to allergies, infections, or irritants.

An autoimmune disease affecting skin and muscles, causing rashes and weakness.

A bacterial skin infection (rain rot) causing crusty lesions, common in wet conditions.

Fungal skin infection (ringworm), causing circular hair loss and scaly skin.

Infection of the intervertebral disks and adjacent vertebrae, causing back pain.

Imbalance in the gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues.

Abnormal levels of lipids in the blood, associated with metabolic disorders.

A tick-borne bacterial disease causing fever, joint pain, and low platelet count.

Inflammation of the brain, often due to infection or immune-mediated causes.

Disease or dysfunction of the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.

A procedure using a flexible camera to examine internal organs or cavities.

Presence of bacterial toxins in the blood, often leading to shock.

Inflammation or infection of the small intestine, which can cause bloody stool and other digestive upset.

Disease of the intestines, affecting digestion and absorption.

Failure of the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, causing weight loss, large stools, and nutrient malabsorption.

Inflammation of the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles.

A malignant tumor arising from fibrous connective tissue.

Formation of fibrous scar tissue, often in response to injury or inflammation.

Inflammation of hair follicles, causing pustules and hair loss.

Inflammation of the stomach lining, causing vomiting and abdominal pain.

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often causing vomiting and diarrhea.

An intestinal parasite that commonly causes diarrhea, gas, and greasy stools, especially in dogs exposed to contaminated water.

Inflammation of the gums, often the first stage of periodontal disease.

Increased pressure within the eye, leading to vision loss if untreated.

A mass of chronic inflammatory tissue, often due to persistent infection or foreign body.

Bad breath, often due to dental disease or digestive issues.

A benign tumor of blood vessels, often appearing as a red skin lesion.

A malignant tumor of blood vessel cells, often aggressive and metastatic.

A localized collection of blood from a ruptured vessel, often causing swelling.

Surgical removal of part of a vertebra to relieve spinal cord pressure.

Presence of hemoglobin in the blood plasma, indicating red blood cell destruction.

Sudden severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea from acute intestinal inflammation; can cause dangerous dehydration and shock.

Inflammation of the liver, caused by viruses, toxins, or autoimmune disease.

A tick-borne protozoal disease affecting muscles and bones in dogs.

A benign skin tumor common in young dogs, often regressing spontaneously.

Abnormal proliferation of histiocytes, which can be benign or malignant.

A fungal infection from bird or bat droppings, affecting lungs and other organs.

An alternative therapy using highly diluted substances to stimulate healing.

A fluid-filled swelling over a joint, often from repeated trauma.

Elevated calcium levels in the blood, often due to cancer or parathyroid issues.

High blood sugar levels, common in diabetes mellitus.

Elevated potassium levels in the blood, potentially causing heart arrhythmias.

Thickening of the outer skin layer, often on paw pads or nose.

Elevated fat levels in the blood, associated with certain breeds or diets.

Low blood sugar levels, causing weakness, seizures, or coma.

Low potassium levels in the blood, leading to muscle weakness.

Low protein levels in the blood, often due to loss or malnutrition.

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea and vomiting.

A tumor of insulin-producing cells, causing low blood sugar.

Lack of blood supply to a tissue, leading to damage or death.

Inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, often due to infection.

Thickening or hardening of the skin due to excess keratin.

A serious complication of diabetes with high ketones and acidosis.

Accumulation of ketones in the body, often in diabetic or fasting animals.

Surgical removal of the lamina of a vertebra to access the spinal cord.

Minimally invasive surgery using a camera and instruments through small incisions.

Inflammation of the larynx, causing hoarseness or loss of voice.

A bacterial disease affecting liver and kidneys, transmitted through urine-contaminated water.

Cancer of the white blood cells, leading to immune suppression and anemia.

Increased number of white blood cells, often indicating infection or inflammation.

Abnormal accumulation of fat in tissues, such as hepatic lipidosis in the liver.

A benign tumor of fat cells, usually subcutaneous.

A malignant tumor arising from fat cells.

Surgical removal of a lump or tumor.

Enlargement of lymph nodes, often due to infection or cancer.

Cancer of the lymphatic system, affecting lymph nodes and organs.

An older term for lymphoma, cancer of lymphoid tissue.

Abnormal dilation and decreased motility of the esophagus, causing regurgitation and difficulty swallowing.

Severe dilation of the colon resulting in chronic constipation and difficulty passing stool.

A tumor arising from melanocytes, often malignant in dogs.

Black, tarry stool caused by digested blood, usually from bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

A tumor of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Inflammation of the meninges, often causing neck pain and fever.

Inflammation of the brain and meninges.

Inflammation of the brain, meninges, and spinal cord.

A benign tumor composed of bone marrow and fat tissue.

Disease of the spinal cord, causing neurological deficits.

Inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to infection.

Disease of the muscles, leading to weakness or atrophy.

Inflammation of muscles, causing pain and weakness.

A benign tumor of connective tissue containing mucous or gelatinous material.

A system of alternative medicine using natural remedies to support healing.

Death of tissue, often due to loss of blood supply.

A protozoal disease causing neuromuscular issues, transmitted from dogs to other animals.

Inflammation of the kidneys, affecting filtration function.

Disease or damage to nerves, causing weakness or numbness.

A brace or support device to stabilize a limb or joint.

Surgical removal of bone or part of a bone.

Degenerative joint disease causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease, similar to osteoarthritis.

Inflammation of bone and cartilage, often in growing animals.

Infection of the bone, often causing pain and lameness.

Loss of bone density, making bones fragile and prone to fractures.

A malignant bone cancer, often affecting limbs in large breeds.

Surgical cutting of bone to correct deformities or injuries.

Inflammation of the ear, often causing pain, discharge, and head shaking.

Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus (spay).

Inflammation of the pancreas, causing a dog to hide, withdraw, show tiredness, and experience vomiting or weight loss.

Self-limiting bone inflammation in young large-breed dogs, causing lameness.

A benign tumor (wart) caused by papillomavirus.

A fungal infection caused by Penicillium species, rare in dogs.

Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac around the heart.

Advanced gum disease leading to tooth loss and bone damage.

Inflammation of the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity lining, often due to rupture or infection.

Inflammation of the pharynx, causing sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

Inflammation of the foot skin, often causing lameness.

Disease affecting multiple joints, often immune-mediated.

Inflammation of multiple muscles, causing weakness and pain.

Disease affecting multiple peripheral nerves, leading to weakness.

Inflammation of nerve roots, causing acute flaccid paralysis (coonhound paralysis).

The predicted outcome of a disease or condition.

Protrusion of the eyeball from the socket, often due to trauma.

Inflammation of the prostate gland, causing urinary issues in males.

A false joint formed after a fracture fails to heal properly.

Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, causing sneezing and discharge.

A viral respiratory disease in horses, similar to kennel cough in dogs.

Endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity.

Viral upper respiratory infection in cats, causing sneezing and eye discharge.

Bacterial infection causing diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

A malignant tumor arising from connective tissue.

Hardening of tissue due to scarring or calcification.

Bacterial infection in the bloodstream, leading to systemic illness.

Accumulation of serum under the skin, often after surgery.

Surgical removal of the spleen.

Inflammation of the vertebrae.

Degenerative changes in the spine, forming bony bridges between vertebrae.

Accumulation of fat in the liver or other tissues.

Narrowing of a passage or opening, such as a valve or artery.

A surgically created opening in the body, such as a colostomy.

Surgical deepening of a groove, often for patellar luxation correction.

Inflammation of the synovial membrane lining joints.

Inflammation of a tendon, causing pain and lameness.

A tumor containing multiple tissue types, such as hair or teeth.

Inflammation of the thyroid gland, often autoimmune.

Surgical removal of the tonsils.

Inflammation of the tonsils, causing throat pain and difficulty swallowing.

Poisoning or adverse reaction to a toxic substance.

Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi (kennel cough).

A benign tumor arising from hair follicle epithelium.

Surgical modification of the trochlear groove for patellar luxation correction.

Accumulation of waste products in the blood due to kidney failure.

Laboratory analysis of urine to detect abnormalities or diseases.

Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.

Adverse reaction or chronic condition attributed to vaccination.

Inflammation of the vagina, causing discharge and discomfort.

Endoscopic examination of the vagina.

Inflammation of blood vessels, often immune-mediated.

Disease of the blood vessels.

Inflammation of the vestibular system, causing balance issues.

Inflammation of the vulva and vagina.