Vet Terms
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. Addison’s disease – the pituitary gland produces a hormone that
triggers the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. If  there is
a problem with the adrenal gland, or a pituitary tumor, the
process breaks down and not enough corticosteroids are
produced. Characterized by weakness, weight loss, anorexia,
and fatigue.
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alopecic syndrome, color dilution alopecia – deficiency of the
hair, caused by a failure to grow or regrow after loss. Signs
may include bacterial folliculitis, scaling and hair loss. Caused
by the dilution gene at the D locus.
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allergy – immunological hypersensitivity to certain foreign
antigens.anemia – reduction of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
The red cells contain the protein ‘hemoglobin’ which binds
oxygen in the red blood cell. This allows the transport of oxygen
from the lungs to the tissues. Symptoms include weakness,
reluctance to exercise, pale mucus membranes, and tachycardia
(abnormally rapid heart rate).
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anatomy - The physical structure of the body.  Understanding
the words used to express positioning on a dog’s body helps a
great deal in understanding veterinary lingo. For the directions
below, the dog is standing in the center of a room with his head
facing the north wall.
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     On the body:
         Dorsal - toward the ceiling or back
         Ventral - toward the floor or belly
         Cranial, or anterior - toward the north wall or head
         Caudal, or posterior - toward the south wall or butt
         Lateral - toward the east or west wall or side
         Medial - toward the midline, away from the east or west walls
     On the limbs:
         Proximal - toward the body
         Distal - away from the body
         Palmar - the front foot pads
         Plantar - the rear foot pads
     Movement:
         Flexion - decreasing a joint’s angle
         Extension - increasing a joint’s angle
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antibody – proteins produced by the immune system in
response to antigens; an important component of the immune
system.
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antigen – a foreign substance that stimulates an immune response.
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arthritis – inflammation of a joint. Caused by abnormal stress
on a normal joint, or by normal stress on an abnormal joint.
Polyarthritis is immune mediated, and is arthritis in multiple joints.
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autoimmune disease – failure of the immune system to differentiate
the body’s own cells from foreign substances, triggering an
inflammatory response against self. This can be in the form of
a very specific immune attack, such as the destruction of
pancreatic islet cells resulting in diabetes mellitus, or a broad
immunologic injury such as lupus.
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autoimmune hemolytic anemia – the body produces antibodies
directed against its own red blood cells, causing their
destruction. FYI: Many if not all of the autoimmune anemias
have antibodies that attack related, similar blood types, donor
RBC’s too.
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autosomal – any of the chromosomes other than the sex pair, the
‘X’ or ‘Y’ chromosomes. benign – not cancerous or malignant.
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calcinosis circumscripta – deposits of calcium found in small
lumps under the skin, in the tongue, or attached to tendons or
in joint capsules.
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cancer – a group of diseases caused by transformation of normal
cells into malignant ones. When these cells shed and travel to
other areas of the body, the cancer is said to metastasize. As the
cancerous growth draws nutrients, and the general lack of
well-being diminishes the appetite, the resultant emaciation is
called cancer cachexia.
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cataracts – Loss of transparency of the lens of the eye. Can be
genetic or acquired as the result of injury or diabetes, etc. Also
associated with PRA which is inherited.
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     juvenile – develops in dogs less than 6 months old.
     punctate – small points.
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cerebellar degeneration – degeneration of the cerebellar portion of
the brain.
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cervical vertebral instability (wobblers) – compression of the
cervical (neck) spinal cord caused by instability or
malformation of the cervical vertebrae. Dogs show lack of
muscle coordination in the back legs and possibly neck.
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cleft palate – a congenital split involving the hard or soft palate
in the mouth. May cause nasal regurgitation in newborns.
Known to be inherited in some breeds, may also be caused by
environmental factors.
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congenital - present at birth. May or may not be inherited from
parents and may or may not be passed on to off-spring.
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cruciate – shaped like a cross. Cruciate ligaments are found on
the front (cranial or anterior) and the back (caudal or
posterior) of the stifle (‘knee’) joint.
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cryptorchid – an animal with one or two undescended testicles.
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Cushing’s disease – the pituitary gland produces a hormone
that triggers the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. If
there is a problem with the adrenal gland, or a pituitary tumor,
the process breaks down and too much corticosteroids are
produced.
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cystitis – inflammation of the urinary bladder.
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cyst – a closed sac of fluid or semi-solid substance. Generally
harmless, but in some cases they may become malignant.
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demodectic mange – skin disease characterized by hair loss
particularly on the head, face, neck, shoulders and the front of
the forelegs. Caused by the demodex mite which is normally found
on the skin of most dogs, but due to an abnormality of the
immune system, the body overreacts to its presence. It can be
treated, but it is occasionally resistant to treatment.
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Diabetes insipidus – inadequate secretion of, or resistance to the
effects of, antidiuretic hormone (ADH or Vasopressin). This
hormone stimulates the kidney retain water in the body.
Consequently, the dog passes a large volume of urine with a low
specific gravity, and also exhibits great thirst. It may be acquired,
inherited, or idiopathic. mellitus – due to a failure of the pancreas
to produce sufficient insulin, or the cells resistance to the effects of
insulin the body is unable to properly process glucose. May require
insulin injections, or may be controlled with diet. May be acquired
or possibly inherited.
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dominant – only one copy of a gene is necessary for a trait to be
exhibited. At least one of the parents would also exhibit this
same trait.
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dysfibrinogenemia, factor I deficiency – fibrinogen, or Factor I, is
an important component of the "clotting cascade" which allows
your body to stop bleeding. This disease is due to either an abnormally
low amount of fibrinogen, or its complete absence, or the presence
of a normal amount of an abnormal and less effective fibrinogen.
Symptoms include easy or excessive bleeding or no symptoms at all.
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dysplasia – bad (dys) + growth (plasia)
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ectopic cilia – hairs on the inside of the eyelids causing irritation
to the eye.
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ectropion – eyelid turns outward. Allows for the accumulation of
foreign matter causing eye irritation.
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elbow dysplasia, ED - asynchronous growth of the bones of the
foreleg causing the joint to meet improperly.
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entropion – eyelids turn inward causing hair to irritate the surface
of the eye. Normally requires surgical correction, and sometimes
requires multiple surgeries.
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epilepsy – abnormal electrical function of the brain causing
disturbances of the nervous system.
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     acquired - Acquired due to injury to the brain at birth, tumor,
                     blow to the head, endocrine (hormonal) disorder, etc.
     idiopathic – no demonstrable cause, may be genetic.
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fading puppy syndrome – an apparently normal puppy gradually
weakens and dies within a week or two of birth. Not a specific
disorder, but generally applied to infectious causes.
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fibrosarcoma – a malignant tumor arising from collagen-
producing fibroblasts (an immature fiber-producing cell of
connective tissue).
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fly-snapping – repeated snapping at non-existent flying object has
been associated in BMDs with partial seizures, in some cases with
ear infections, and in a few cases with food allergies. Some forms
may be alleviated by seizure medications. A few have been alleviated
with behavioral modification techniques, which may indicate that
some forms are simply behavioral problems often caused by boredom.
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fragmented coronoid process, FCP – the coronoid process
fragments forming a loose body in the elbow joint, called a
joint mouse. See elbow dysplasia.
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gastric dilatation-volvulus, bloat – Gastric dilatation means
stomach distention or enlargement, caused by expanding gas.
This may or may not be accompanied by volvulus, or torsion,
or twisting of the stomach on its long axis.
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glomerulonephritis – Inflammatory disease of the glomerulus,
part of the kidney, which filters toxic waste from the blood.
Tests of the urine can show a variety of abnormalities. Complete
loss of kidney function can occur.
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gulps – exaggerated swallowing movements. In BMDs, it often is
accompanied by a desperate need to eat anything, especially
grass.
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hemangiosarcoma – a malignant tumor of endothelial cells
(the layer of cells that lines the cavities of the heart and of the blood
and lymph vessels). (Epithelial cells cover all body surfaces, inside and out.)
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hematoma – localized collection of blood, a lump. Dogs can get
them in their ear flaps from violent and repeated shaking of
the head, from such things as ear infections or insect stings.
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hemophilia – the blood lacks coagulating factors, causing a strong
tendency to bleed, and difficulty in getting the bleeding to
stop. hepatitis – inflammation of the liver. This can result from a
variety of causes including infections (particularly viral), drugs,
autoimmunity and genetics. The liver stores and filters blood, secretes
bile, converts sugars, processes fat, produces proteins which help to
control blood volume, and produces some of the clotting factors.
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hepatocerebellar degeneration – death of liver cells causing
poisoning of the white matter of the brain.
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hernia – abnormal protrusion of organs through a weak spot or
abnormal opening, usually in the abdominal or groin areas.
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hip dysplasia, CHD, HD – improper development of the hip joint,
typically, the acetabulum (socket) is not deep enough for the
femoral head (ball) to fit fully into place.
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histiocytomas – a small wart-like skin growth that will eventually
disappear. (Note: NO growths or lumps on a BMD should
ever be ignored!)
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histiocytosis – abnormal appearance of histiocytes in the blood.
(Histiocytes are produced by the bone marrow and are normally
immobile until stimulated by inflammation. They are a type of
antigen presenting cell.)
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     cutaneous – benign proliferation of nodules in or under the skin
     malignant – a rapidly invasive proliferation of neoplastic (new growth)
                      histiocytes. No known treatment, always fatal.
     systemic – proliferation of histiocytes invading the skin and lymph nodes.
                       Can go into remission for years, or progress
                      to the malignant form. Can be treated, but not cured.
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hot spots – inflammation of the skin, dermatitis. Frequently caused
by flea bites, or a hypersensitivity to an allergen. Can also
be caused by bacteria building up in an area that the dog bites
or scratches. Some BMD owners have linked it to the dog
having wet fur for prolonged periods of time.
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hydrocephalus, water on the brain – accumulation of cerebrospinal
fluid in the skull, which diminishes the size of the brain.
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hyper - increased
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hypertrophic osteodystrophy, HOD - inflammation of the growth
plates, and can be accompanied by depression, weight loss, and
fever. The joints may be swollen and feel hot. Mild cases
usually resolve with no lasting ill effects. However, in the
rare case of severe HOD, permanent damage to the bone joints
can result in limb deformities.
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hypo – decreased
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hypomyelination, tremblers – reduction in the amount of myelin
(cover or sheath) on the nerves. The disease has an early
onset, in BMDs is considered to be an autosomal recessive trait.
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idiopathic – no known cause
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incontinence – inability to control urination and/or defecation.
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intervertebral disk disease, IVDD – pain and often paralysis
resulting from displacement of the center of a vertebral disk.
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intussuception – the intestine telescopes on itself, causing a
blockage.
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irritable bowel syndrome – soft or watery feces, often with mucus.
Associated with stress. Also called colitis.
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lateral torsion – twisted or rotated out.
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leukemia – a cancerous proliferation of one of the subsets of
White Blood Cells.
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luxating tarsus – dislocation of the ‘ankle’
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lymphoma, lymphosarcoma – malignant tumor that arises
from cells of the lymphoreticular system. Commonly presents
with swollen lymph nodes, masses, enlarged liver or spleen,
fevers, weight loss.
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malignant –tending to become progressively worse and
result in death
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mastitis – inflammation of the mammary gland, usually due
to bacterial infection.
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mastocytoma, mast cell tumors – a growth of mast cells
(cells in the dermis which is directly beneath the outer skin layer,
which release histamine to counter allergens). These tumors may
become malignant. (Note: in BMDs, always assume they are
malignant!)
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megaesophagus – overly enlarged esophagus causing buildup of
food and saliva and regurgitation. Associated with aspirative
pneumonia from an early age.
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meningitis – not a disease, but a symptom, the inflammation of
the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, the meninges.
This can be caused by bacteria, virus, fungi, or chemical toxins.
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     aseptic meningitis - is inflammation of the meninges for which
                           no identifiable infectious agent can be cultured or
                           tested for, and is probably genetic.
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mitral valve defect – a defect in the heart valve that separates
the left atrium and the left ventricle.
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murmur – an abnormal heart sound associated with the
opening or closing of a heart valve. This may indicate a structural
or functional abnormality.
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optic nerve hypoplasia – incomplete development of the optic
nerve.
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osteochondritis dessicans, OCD - a piece of cartilage tears away
forming a flap. The flap may reattach to the bone on its
own, or it may tear away, becoming a joint mouse in the joint cavity.
Symptoms include pain and limping. Often requires
surgery.
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pain, chronic – persisting for a long time
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pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas due to a variety of
causes such as infections and drugs. The pancreas produces
enzymes and bicarbonate important in digestion and absorption
of nutrients as well as insulin. Chronic, severe pancreatitis can
result in malabsorption and diarrhea as well as diabetes mellitus.
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panosteitis, pano – inflammation of the bone, particularly the long
bones in growing dogs. Causes pain and limping.
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patellar luxation – dislocation of the ‘knee’ cap, causing mild to
severe, continuous or intermittent pain.
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patent ductus arteriosus, PDA – the normal opening between
the aorta and pulmonary artery, which allows blood to bypass
the unoxygenated lung in utero, fails to close after birth.
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pemphigus foliaceus – a generalized scaling disease, with hair
loss, and sometimes with the formation of heavy crusts.
Involvement of a nail bed leads to loss of the nail.
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pica – chronic eating of non-food materials.
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pituitary gland – a hormone secreting (endocrine) gland at the
base of the brain; it regulates growth as well as regulating the
proper functioning of many other glands and processes.
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plasia – growth
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polyarteritis nodosa – an inflammatory disease of small and
medium sized arteries.
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portosystemic shunt, PSS – abnormal blood vessels in the liver
preventing normal circulation and functioning of the liver.
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progressive retinal atrophy, PRA – any of a number of inherited
diseases of the eye leading to blindness. Generally starts
with difficulty seeing in the dark followed by a loss of vision
in the daylight. In the BMD it is an autosomal recessive trait.
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prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate gland.
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pyoderma – any purulent (containing or forming pus) skin disease
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pyometra – pus accumulation in the uterus, normally caused by
bacterial infection.
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recessive - requires a copy of the gene from both parents to exhibit
the trait. Having only one copy of the gene makes the dog
a carrier of the trait, and he will never exhibit the trait – unless the
gene is located on the ‘X’ or sex chromosome. sarcoma –
tumor formed of connective tissue cells: bone cartilage, muscle,
blood vessel, or lymphoid tissue.
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registry - A database of health information
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     open registry - repository of health test results, allows full access
                      to the information.
     closed registry – repository of health test results, but allows
                       access of information only about normal results.
     OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, closed registry
              of hip, elbow, heart, thyroid, and other results.
     http://www.offa.org/
     GDC – Institute for Genetic Disease Control, open registry
              reporting orthopedic and ophthalmologic evaluation reports,
              tumor, epilepsy, heart registry and some other breed specific
              health information.
              http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/gdc/gdc.html
     PennHIP - Penn Hip Improvement Program - closed registry
                   of hip laxity measurements. Uses a DI (distraction index),
                   a number from 0.0 - 1.00 with the lower the number the
                   better the hip. http://www.vet.upenn.edu/pennhip/
     CERF - Canine Eye Registry Foundation - closed registry of eye
                test results.
                  http://www.vet.purdue.edu/~yshen/cerf.html
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sarcoptic mange – skin disease characterized by extreme itching, hair
loss, and secondary infection. Usually widespread, but
often seen on the belly and inner thighs. Can be treated,
but spreads easily.
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sebaceous adenitis – inflammation of the sebaceous glands
(found at the base of hair follicles).
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seborrhea – abnormal secretion of the sebaceous glands at the
base of hair follicles causing anything from dandruff to greasy
scales and crust.
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selective IgM deficiency – a deficiency in the production of the
IgM antibody, one of the body’s five classes of
immunoglobulins, the proteins produced as antibodies
to fight infection and toxins.
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snow nose – loss of pigmentation on the nose, usually in winter.
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spinal myelopathy – disease of the myelin, or covering (sheath)
of the spinal nerves (the spinal cord).
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staphylococcus, staph – a type of bacteria. Normally found on
the skin and upper respiratory tract, but can occasionally
cause localized suppurating infection.
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stenosis – a narrowing or contraction of an opening.
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     aortic stenosis – obstruction of the blood flowing from the
                           left ventricle to the aorta.
     mitral stenosis – narrowing of the mitral valve that separates the
                               left atrium and the left ventricle.
     pulmonary artery stenosis – narrowing of the outflow from the lungs.
     subaortic stenosis – narrowing of the aorta just below the semilunar
                                valves. Severity increases with age.
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stones – a mass, usually formed from mineral salts, occurring
within the hollow organs: kidney, gallbladder, urinary bladder.
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systemic lupus erythematosis, SLE – an autoimmune disease in
which the immune system sees its own body as foreign
matter. Characterized by polyarthritis, hemolytic anemia,
skin disease, among many other symptoms.
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thrombocytopenic purpura – is a disease characterized by the
formation of platelet clots in the microcirculation (very small
vessels). Exact cause is unclear but thought to be due to infections,
inherited conditions or immunologic abnormalities. Results
in bleeding with a low platelet count, anemia, neurologic
symptoms kidney disease and fever.
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thyroid – the largest of the hormone secreting (endocrine) glands
located in the neck; it regulates metabolism.
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     hyperthyroid – excessive production of thyroid hormones,
                       often seen in older dogs, causing excessive thirst, weight
                       loss, increased appetite and restlessness.
     hypothyroid – decreased production of thyroxine, causing poor
                         coat, weight gain, mental dullness, fatigue, cold
                          intolerance, and infertility.
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tricuspid valve defect – a defect in the heart valve that separates
the right atrium and the right ventricle.
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ununited anconeal process, UAP – the anconeal process never
unites with the ulna, can detach and form a loose body in the
joint, called a joint mouse. See elbow dysplasia.
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uveodermatologic syndrome, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like
syndrome – depigmentation of the skin and hair, and of the nose,
lips, eyelids, footpads and anus. (In humans this disease is
believed to be immune-mediated.)
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von Willebrand’s disease – von Willebrand’s disease – deficiency
of coagulation factor VIII causing prolonged bleeding
time. This can be an autosomal dominant trait, but Bernese
Mountain Dogs have Type I, which is an autosomal recessive trait.
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