PetMD "A" Flashcards
Abacterial
Indicates that something has no presence of bacteria in it.
Abbattoir
A location in which animals are slaughtered; a slaughter house.
Abaxial
A term that refers to something in particular being found away from the center of the body or the body part in question.
Abdomen
The part of the body between the chest and the hips. It contains vital organs, including the stomach and intestines, bladder, liver, and other vital organs.
Abdominal Breathing
An irregular type of breathing that uses the muscles in the wall of the abdomen to move air into the lungs and pump it back out.
Abdominal breathing is not normal and is the indicator of a respiratory condition of infection.
Abdominal Cavity
The space in the abdomen that holds the major digestive organs in an animal.
Referred to as the area between the diaphragm and pelvis.
Referred to as the peritoneal cavity.
Abdomial Effusion
Refers to a condition in which fluid collects around the vital organs located inside the abdomen. This is normally the side effect of a more serious condition, like liver or heart disease. Certain bacterial infections can cause the build-up of such fluids, as can certain types of cancer. An animal experiencing abdominal effusion will likely have an extremely bloated midsection.
Abdominal Wall
A group of bones, muscles, and vital tissues that make up the wall around the organs in the adbomen. Inside these bones, muscles, and tissues is a cavity, and the cavity is what houses the vital organs found inside the abdomen. This wall is vital for protection of these organs.
Abdominocentesis
A procedure in which a needle is inserted into the abdomen of the animal to remove fluid.
Used to make a diagnosis.
Abduct
The movement of something away from the animal’s midsection.
Opposite of adduct.
Abiotrophy
The loss of use of an organ.
This is a progressive condition and is inheritable.
May occur in an organ, tissue, or nervous system.
Ablactate
To take off the tear or to stop from nursing; to wean an animal off its mother’s milk.
Ablate
To take something out of something else.
Ablation- removal of a body part by cutting it out.
Abomasopexy
The surgical procedure of attaching the fourth stomach compartment to the abdominal wall.
Abomasum
The fourth stomach of several stomach compartments- the true or real stomach.
Aboral
Used to describe a direction; away from or outside an animal’s mouth.
Abort
To end a pregnancy early, whether purposeful or accidental.
Abortive
Used to describe an animal that is barren or unable to successfully reproduce.
Abrasion
An injury that has occurred in which one or more of the topmost layers or skin are scraped away.
Known as a scrape.
Abscess
A localized infection; usually a lesion filled with pus.
Can be large or small.
Absoulte Age
Refers to an animals actual age in calendar years rather that the age pertaining to their development.
Ex: actual age vs age in dog years
Absorption
The joining of already digested nutrients within the circulatory system. Absorption is how an animal’s body makes use to nutrients from food.
Absorption Rate
The rate at which digested nutrients enters the circulatory system.
Abundance
The number of animals per unit of area
Ex: 5 horses per square acre
Acariasis
Refers to the condition of being overrun with parasites, such as ticks or mites.
Acaricide
Any substance known to kill certain parasites, including ticks and mites. May be found in the form of a paste, liquid, or powder.
Acarid
Refers to any tick or mite belonging to the order Acarina.
Acarine
A mite or tick.
Acclimate
To beome accustomed to new actions, surroundings, environment, or companions.
Accommodation
A process, that of adjusting the eye to see objects at a variety of distances.
Acclimatization
The act of helping an animal to adjust to something or some place foreign to them.
Accredited Herd
A term that is used to refer to dairy cattle that has been tested and received the certification necessary to be declared free of tuberculosis as described by the USDA. To be considered part of the accredited herd, two tests given must be passed.
Accuracy of Selection
Refers to the difference between what an animal’s bredding value was estimated to be and its actual breeding value.
Acetabulum
The socket that holds the head of the femur, found in the pelvis of a given animal.
Acetic Acid
Used in the fermentaion of lactic acid.
Acetic Bacteria
The bacteria that is involved with turing alcohol into acetic acid.
Acetic Fermentation
The process of turing ethyl alcohol into actetic acid with the use of fermenting bacteria.
Acetone
Created from the fermentaion of surgar and starch. It can be found in the urine of a diabetic animal, the breath of certain lactating animals, and in blood. When found in lactating animals, acetone indicates a deficiency, usually of carbohydrates resulting from an inability to properly oxidize fat in feed.
Acetonemia
A disease that involves the presence of large amounts of acetone in the blood. This condition is also referred to as: milk fever, acidosis, acetenouria, pregnancy diseases (in ewes).
Achalasia
Refers to difficulty or lack of ability to release the smooth muscle in the digestive system, found in the gastrointestinal tract.
Achondroplasia
Refers to the changes undergone by the skeletal system during development of the fetus; has the ability to be inherited genetically.
Acidophilus
A term used to describe an organism that tends to thrive in an acidic environment, such as soil rich in acid.
Acidosis
A condition of the body in which pH levels are abnormally low.
Acquired Character
The changes that the character of a particular animal has gone through, whether it be physiological or otherwise. May be due to the environment they live it. Not genetic.
Acquired Immunity
Refers to the immunity that can be built up to a disease or illness that an animal would normally fall victim to.
Acre per Animal Unit Month
A measurement used to figure the number or acres that are needed for one animal to be able to forage easily for one month when sed properly.
Acromegaly
An issue caused by excessive growth hormones in which the extremeties become larger in size.
Acromion
The outer edge of the scapula; this is where the collar bone is attached to the animal’s body.
Acrosome
The small cap that covers the head of sperm.
Active Agent
The ingredient in a chemical that poses a toxic threat to a particular animal.
Active Immunity
Immunity that is built up through exposure to the disease or pathogen.
Actual Analysis
The compiling of materials using a chemical analysis generated in a lab than a generalized analysis.
Actual Use
The amount of area used by certain animals.
Ex: livestock or hunting game’ expressed in animal units or animal unit months
Acuity
The quality of an animal’s vision.
Acute
Term used to imply that a situation or condition is more severe than usual; also used to refer to a disease having run short course or come on suddenly.
Acute Renal Failure (ARF)
The failure or loss of the kidneys.
Acute Toxicity
The potential that something, usually a medicine or substance, has to injure or cause illness in an animal when given as one dose or as multiple doses in the span of one day or less than one day.
Ad Lib
As much as needed or wanted.
Ad Lib Feeding
Term used to refer to a type of feeding in which there are no restrcitions placed on the amount of food to be given at any time.
Ad Libitum
The amount of feed ingested when made completely available without limitation or restriction.
Adaptability
The potential that an animal or organism has to change their bodies or lifestyles to suit their surroundings or environment.
Adaptation
Refers to the activities or processes than an animal goes through to make changes necessary for it to survive in its current environment.
Additives
Items or ingredients added to feed as part of the manufacturing process- may be used as a preservative, Also work to increase nutritional value, taste. There are legalities surrounding the amounts and types of additives allowed in feed.
Adduction
To move inward or toward the midsection of the animal.
Adenocarcinoma
The result of a malignant growth of the tissue of the epithelial gland.
Adenohypophysis
The rearmost pituitary gland; the only area of the pituitary gland that is functional.
Adherence
A property in which one item has the ability to stick or adhere to another.
Adhesion
Fibers that bond items together that would normally be combined.
Adipocyte
A cell of fat.
Adipose
Refers to the quality of being fat or full of fat.
Adjust Weaning Weight (205-day weight)
The weight of a young animal at the time of weaning- the weight is adjusted to the standard for 205 days old as well as the age of the dam itself.
Adjusted Yearling Weight (365-day weight)
The weight of a yearling after adjustments for the age of the dam and adjusted to a standard 365 days old.
Change in the number of animals, seasons, classes, or types of animals.
Adnexa
The structures of any given organ.
Adrenal Cortex
The outermost part of the adrenal gland.
Adrenal Gland
The gland that produces the hormone adrenaline and others; helps regulate metabolism, electrolytes, sexual function; regualtes the way the body responds to injury, trama. Found near the kidney. Also referred to as the suprarenal gland.
Adrenal Medulla
The innermost part of the adrenal gland.
Adrenalectomy
The process of surgically extracting one or both of the adrenal glands.
Adrenaline
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands, also referred to as epinephrine. Its used in the body’s response to traumatic situations or emergencies.
Adrenopathy
Refers to a type of disease that affects any portion of the adrenal glands.
Adventitious Sounds
Sounds of the respiratory system.
Bronchi, rales
Aerobe
Certain types of bacteria or organisms that only have the ability to survive in an environment of free oxygen.
Aerogun
Refers to bacteria with the ability to produce certain types of gas.
Aerophobia
The act of swallowing air.
Afebrile
A state of illness in which the subject is free of fever.
Afferent
Carrying toward; nerves in the nervous system that carry certain impulses.
Aflatoxin
A substance created by a certain fungus, Aspergillus flavus, a carcinogen, known to contaminate corn, some nuts, and certain grains.
Afterbirth
Found attached to the fetus while en utero; expelled upon birth of the fetus. Term used to refer to the placenta.
Agalactia
A condition in which an animal fails to nurse after birth of the offspring due to lack of secretion of milk.
Agalctic Mare
A female horse that is not properly lactating to feed her foal.
Age Class
Term used to describe the grouping of animals by age.
Aged Horse
Term used to describe a horse over the age of eight years old; often used to refer to a horse over the age of 12.
Agglutination
A grouping together of certain cells, molecules, or particles into one area or clump.
Agglutinins
A) Anitibodies that are created as an animal’s natural response to an infection or the presence of strange micro organisms; these antibodies cause the organisms to clump together.
B) Any substance or anitbody that causes certain organisms to clump together; usually causes the clumping of the organism that caused it be produced in the first place.
Agonal Breathing
The breathing that occurs when an animal is near death of suffering from severe pain.
Agonist
Any substance that causes effect by attaching itself to the right receptor.
Agonistic
An animal whose behavior indicates offensive/defensive activities.
Agoraphobia
Refers to animals who are kept stabled or in stalls for an extended period of time.
A fear of wide open spaces.
Agostadero
Term used mostly in the southwestern United States; refers to a pasture that is used only during the summer months.
Agouti
A type of coat pattern in which the fur is darker toward the root and becomes gradually lighter near the tip.
Agranulocyte
Any cell that does not have the normal granular structures in the cytoplasm.
Agrarian
Anything pertaining to or relating to the agriculture industry.
Agriculture
A broad term used to indicate the industry involved with producing animals and plants for use by humans.
Air Sacs
An avian term; refers to pockets in the respiratory system of birds that hold air and allow them the ability to fly and the buoyancy necessary to do so.
Albidus
Indicates something being white in color.
Albino
An animal who lacks normal coloring; lack of melanin. Pure white coat and pink or red eyes.
Albumin
A type of protein that can be dissolved in water; found in milk, egg white, certain muscle, blood, and some urine.
Albuminaria
A condition in which albumin is found in urine.
Alcohol
The term used to refer to a family of organic chemical compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in any form.
Alcohol Test
A test performed in which milk and ethyl alcohol are combined to detect milk with abnormal properties. While normal milk should not cling to the tube, abnomal milk clings to the glass.
Alcohol-Alizarin Test
A test performed in which alcohol and alizarin are combined with milk. If the solution turns reddish, that indicates the presence of normal milk. Yellowish or brown- rotten milk. Puple- presence of mastitis.
Aleukia
A condition in which leukocytes (white blood cells) are not found in the blood of an animal.
Alfalfa
A vital source of fiber and protein, often eaten by horses.
Alimentary Tract
Term refers to the system in the body that deals with the processing of food and nutrients in between the mouth and the anus; may also be referred to as the GI tract, the intestinal tract, or the gastrointestinal tract.
Alkaline
A property of having a high pH or low amount of hydogen ions.
Allantois
The layer of placenta closest to the inside.
Allergen
Any substance with the potential to produce allergic reaction in an animal prone to such a reaction.
Allergy
A condition in which the body reacts to a particular item or product; may also be referred to as hypersensitivity.
Allogamy
The process of cross-fertilization.
Allopolyploid
Term used to refer to a polyploidy that contains chromosomes that are different from one another, as in from more than two species.
Allosomes
Term used to refer to a type of chromosome that is different in one reason or another, either by a discrepancy in behavior, shape, or size.
Allotment
In the agricultural industry, term used to refer to an area that is designated for use by a certain number of cows or sheep or for use by both types of animals.
Alopecia
A condition of hair loss resulting in either complete baldness or patches of baldness.
Alter
To change by neutering or spaying. May also be referred to as cutting, gelding, or emasculating.
Alteration of Generations
A theory of reproduction in which certain characteristics are only found in every other generation.
Alternate Grazing
The process of rotating pastures in a manner which allows the forage to grow back before it is grazed once more. May also be referred to as rotational grazing.
Alternate Host
An organism in which a parasite or organism inhabits for only a certain part of its life cycle.
Amasesis
A term used to refer to an animal without the ability to chew.
Ambidextrous
Refers to a living thing that can use both hands equally well, as in not solely considered to be right-handed or left-handed.
Ambient
Around or surrounding.
Amble
A type of gait that is slower or broken up in cadence; usually lateral.
Ambler
Term used to refer to a type of horse who paces; usually refers to sporting horses.
Amblotic
Term used to refer to a substance, organism, or disease that has the potential to cause abortion in animals.
Amblyopia
A condition in which loss of sight occurs without being attributed to any particular disease or medical condition.
Amino Acids
Organic substances that aid in the creation of proteins; also the end product of the decomposition of certain proteins.
Amitosis
A condition of the body that occurs when an excess amount of amino acids is taken in.
Ammonia
A chemical compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen; NH3. Often added to feed to make it more nutritious for livestock; usually lacks color but has a strong odor.
Amnesia
A condition in which loss of memory occurs.
Amniocentesis
The process of obtaining abdominal fluid by puncturing the abdomen with a needle and going through the walls of the uterus to obtain it.
Amnion
The membrane in the uterus that is closest to the fetus; also referred to as the amniotic sac.
Amniotic Cavity
Term refers to the area in the uterus that surrounds the embryo.
Amniotic Fluid
The fluid that nourishes the fetus; found in the amniotic sac.
Amoeba
An organism with no shape or form; moves with the help of a false foot.
Amotus
A term that refers to the hind toe in certain species of birds; the amotus is not one of the digits that touches the ground when the bird is standing.
Amphibian
A term used to refer to an animal, usually a reptile, that starts out breathing with the help of gills and develops into an animal capable of breathing through lungs like a mammal.
Amphigean
A term used to refer to an animal that exists in both the Old World and the New World.
Amphoteric
The property of having the ability to react as an acid, base, or casein.
Amylase
Term used to refer to a certain enzyme that the pancreas creates to help in the digestion of certain starches.
Amylopsin
An enzyme created by the pancreas to break sugars down into starch.
Anabiosis
The act of reviving a living thing after it has died or appeared to have died.
Anabolism
Building up or building together; the building of cells in the body. The term opposite to catabolism.
Anadipsia
A condition referring to excessive thirst.
Anaerobe
Term used to refer to an organism that can live without the aid of free oxygen; usually refers to certain types of bacteria.
Anaerobic
a) living in an environment lacking free oxygen b) pertaining to an organism with the ability to live in an environment lacking free oxygen.
Aerobic Bacteria
Bacteria that does not require the presence of free oxygen to live, survive, and reproduce; may even be hindered by the presence of free oxygen in their environment.
Anal Glands
Tissue located inside the anal sac that aids in the marking of territory in animals, for defense, or for sexual behavior.
Anal Sacculitis
A condition inw which the pouches inside the anus become inflamed.
Analgesia
Without the presence of pain.
Analgesic
Any medication that is designed to aid in relieving pain without being a sedative.
Analogous
In veterinary medicine, term used to refer to structures that are anatomically different but perform functions that are somewhat the same in nature.
Anaphylaxis
Term used to refer to an animal’s response to a certain substance, usually foreign; may include swelling, airway blockage, etc; may also be referred to as anaphylactic shock.
Anaplasia
Any change in the way that cells are arranged and structured in relation to one another.
Anastomosis
A surgical procedure in which two hollow tubes or structures are surgically connected.
Anatomic Position
Term used to refer to an animal in its regular standing position.
Ancestor Merit
Used in agriculture; a term used to refer to the estimate of the female offspring of any given bill based on the bull’s sire and grandsire on its maternal side.
Androgenesis
The theory of the development of any offspring that lacks maternal chromosomes.
Androgynized Cow
Term used to refer to a cow that has undergone testosterone therapy; usually adorned with a bell-shaped marker.
Anechoic
A term used to refer to an ultrasonic wave that is transmitted into tissue without it being reflected back.
Anemia
A condition of the blood in which normal red blood cell counts or hemoglobin are lacking.
Anestrous
The period in which an animal is not inclined to mate or breed; any time in which a female animal does not cycle.
Aneurysm
The enlargement of an artery; usually shaped like a bubble or balloon.
Angiocardogram
A study of the vessels and heart by way of radiograph; uses dyes and other contrasting materials.
Angiogram
The study of blood vessels after dye has been injected into them to create a visual contrast.
Angiopathy
A disease of the blood vessels.
Angioplasty
The process of surgically fixing or repairing damaged blood vessels.
Angiorrhaphy
The suturing of a blood vessel.
Anhydrosis
Term used to refer to a state in an animal in which it cannot sweat.
Anisocoria
A medical condition in which the pupils of both eyes are differently sized.
Anisocytosis
A condition in which cells are unequal.
Ankylosis
A condition in which a joint is unable to move, usually due to some type of illness or medical procedure.
Anophthalmos
Lacking the development of one or two eyes.
Anoplasty
A surgical procedure in which the anus is repaired.
Anorectal
Term used to refer to the opening of the large intestine.
Anoxia
Refers to the lack of oxygen.
Antagonism
Term used to refer to what happens when chemical is exposed to another chemical.
Antebrachium
The area of the front legs that is found between the elbow and the carpal joints.
Antefebrile
Term used to refer to the time before a fever sets in.
Anterior
In veterinary terms, used to refer to the front of the body.
Anterior Chamber
Veterinary term used to indicate the space behind the cornea of the eye and in front of the iris; contains liquid.
Anterior Pituitary
Term used to refer to the front of the pituitary gland; can be found at the bottom of the brain and is responsible for the secretion of certain hormones that deal with growth and other bodily functions.
Anterior Presentation
Refers to the normal position of an animal during birth, with the feet and head set to come out first.
Anthelmintic
Usually used in veterinary medicine to refer to certain drugs that are designed to combat intestinal worms in animals.
Antiarrhythmic
Used to refer to any drug that alters irregularities in an animal’s heartbeat.
Antibacterial
Used to refer to any drug or medical substance that has the ability to slow down or stop the growth of bacteria and other such organisms.
Antibiosis
A relationship between two organisms in which one of the organisms causes harm to or kills the other.
Antibiotic
Term used to refer to any substance that is used to slow down the growth of bacteria or stop it altogether.
Antibody
A protein in the body that is designed to fight disease; antibodies are brought on by the presence of certain antigens in the system.
Anticarcinogen
Refers to any substance that slows down or stops the activities of any substance known to be a carcinogen (known to cause cancer).
Anticoagulant
Term used to refer to any drug that is used to slow down or stop the clotting of blood for medical purposes.
Anticonvulsant
Term used to refer to any substance or drug that stops seizures.
Antidiarrheal
Term used to refer to any drug or substance that is known to prevent bowel movements or stop diarrhea.
Antidiuresis
A condition in which urine is produced and eliminated on a slower basis.
Antidote
Any substance used to combat the effects of certain poisons.
Antiemetic
Term used to refer to any drug or substance that is used to control vomiting.
Antigen
Any substance or item that the body of an animal would regard as strange or unwanted; a foreign disease or virus in the body (toxin, etc.)
Antihypertensive
Term used to refer to any drug that lowers an animal’s blood pressure.
Antimutagen
Term used to refer to any substance that slows down or prevents the activity of a mutagen.
Antineoplastic Agent
Term used to refer to a drug that is used to treat a neoplasm.
Antioxidant
Term used to describe certain feeds; refers to c or anything else that contains compounds that prevent the process of oxidization.
Antipruritic Agent
Any drug that is used to control itching and resultant inflammation.
Antipyretic
Term used to describe a drug that is used to reduce a feverish temperature.
Antisepsis
Preventing certain infections by destroying or excluding certain organisms that may be known to contribute to them.
Antiseptic
Any drug that kills organisms in an animal’s tissue or prevents the growth of more.
Antiserum
Any serum that is known to contain the antibodies that contain the antigen necessary to combat a certain disease; usually contains antibodies extracted from an animal that has been infected with the disease and built up an immunity.
Antispasmodic
Any drug that is known to prevent spasms of any muscles in the body.
Antitoxin
A type of antiserum that contains antibodies against certain poisons.
Antitussive
A medication designed to reduce or eliminate a cough.
Antrum
The empty space inside any hollow organ or bodily structure.
Anuria
The lack of production of urine in an animal’s body.
Aorta
The name of the main artery that starts in the left ventricle of an animal’s four chamber heart.
Aortic Semilunar Valve
The fold of membranes between the left ventricle and the aorta.
Aperture
Any type of opening
Apex
The very tip or peak of something
Aphakia
The absence of a lens, as in an eye.
Aphtha
A small sac inside the udder, between the toes, or inside the mouth of certain animals; may have to do with a foot-and-mouth disease or affliction.
Apia Matter
The third layer of the meninges
Aplasia
When a certain organ or vital tissue fails to properly or fully develop.
Apnea
Failure to breathe properly, as in while sleeping; lack of breathing.
Aqueous Humor
Term used to refer to the liquid that gives nourishment to the structures inside the rear segment of an animal’s eye.
Archetype
A biological term that refers to plants or animals from which certain qualities have been inherited.
Arrector Pilus
The muscle that is attached to the hair follicle that causes the hair to stand up straight; the plural form of this word is arrector pili.
Arteriectomy
The removal of part of an artery by surgical procedure.
Arterioles
The smaller veins or arteries that extend out from larger arteries.
Arterioplasty
A surgical procedure in which damage to an artery is rectified or an artery is repaired.
Arteriosclerosis
A medical condition in which arteries become thicker and harder in texture.
