Terminology Flashcards
Aetiology?
Cause of disease, e.g. Viral, bacterial, neoplastic, degenerative.
Pathology?
The study of disease.
Pathophysiology?
The disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury i.e. way the disease impacts on the animal’s body function.
Clinical Signs?
Signs the animal may be showing on examination which are abnormal and/or may indicate disease.
Differential Diagnosis?
The distinguishing of a disease or condition from others presenting with similar signs and symptoms. i.e., short list of possible diagnosis made before a definitive diagnosis is reached.
Prognosis?
The likely outcome of a medical condition.
Definitive Diagnosis?
Final diagnosis that is made after getting the results of tests, such as blood tests and biopsies, that are done to find out if a certain disease or condition is present.
Acute Disease?
Condition that occurs suddenly and lasts a shorter period of time.
Chronic Disease?
Condition that lasts for a prolonged period of time and can get worse over time.
Acquired Disease?
Disease that originates after birth. Not inherited.
Inherited Disease?
Condition that is caused by mutations in genes or chromosomes that are passed from parent to child.
Congenital Disease?
Structural or functional abnormalities that occur during intrauterine life. (Birth defects).
Nutritional/Metabolic Disease?
Disorders that result from imbalances in the intake or utilisation of nutrients.
Infectious Disease?
Caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungal organisms that are able to enter the body, multiply and cause infections.
Neoplastic Disease?
Uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body.
Degenerative Disease?
Disease in which the function or structure of the affected tissues or organs changes for the worse over time.
Immune Mediated Disease?
Immune system responds inappropriately and may begin attacking the body’s own cells.
Idiopathic?
A disease of unknown cause.
ELISA Antibody Test?
Indicates whether an animal has been in contact with a certain virus or not.
PCR Assay?
Detects the presence of infectious organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Microscopic Agglutination Test?
Test method for the serodiagnosis of leptospirosis.
Anaemia?
The body does not produce enough red blood cells or haemoglobin.
Polydipsia?
Excessive thirst.
Polyuria?
Large amounts of urine passed, unrelated to a UTI.
Petechiation?
Red/purple discolouration’s of the skin caused by blood vessel disruption.
Epistaxis?
Nosebleed. Acute haemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx.
Ataxia?
Incoordination within the nervous system. Loss of muscle control. Difficulty walking.
Rhinitis?
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose.
Lymphadenopathy?
Enlargements of one or more lymph nodes.
Polyphagia?
Excessive intake of food. Excessive hunger or appetite.
Pulmonary Oedema?
Fluid in the lungs. Build-up of fluid in the dogs’ lungs due to underlying health condition, exposure to toxins, or due to trauma.
Syncope?
Fainting, due to lack of oxygen or nutrients to the brain.
Tachycardia?
Rapid heart rate.
Bradycardia?
Slow heart rate.
Ascites?
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
Jaundice?
Excessive accumulation of a bilirubin (yellow) pigment in the blood and tissues.
Dyspnoea?
Difficulty breathing.
Cyanosis?
Bluish colour in the skin, lips, and nail beds caused by shorter of oxygen in the blood.
Apnoea?
Cessation of breathing, usually temporary.
Haematuria?
Blood in the urine.
Haematemesis?
Blood in vomit.
