Veterinary Terminology

Common Veterinary Terminology Terms defined by Tuscawilla Animal Hospital. Like any other field of medicine, veterinary science has a very large variety and/or a vast amount of its own unique terms. It’s important when going to any vet clinic – you should know the basic terminology to more effectively communicate in a veterinary office. Don’t worry, at Tuscawilla Animal Hospital will take time to explain and re-explain things about your pet to you. Also, thank you for reading this blog article “Veterinary Terminology” the team at the Tuscawilla Animal Hospital, which is a Great 5 Star Rated Vet Clinic was happy to write it for you.

But like many other medical terminologies, some veterinary terms are best learned by breaking them down into their component parts. Here is a large number of terms you might hear when visiting our vet clinic. So let’s get it started.

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  • Abdomen. A region of the body between the chest and the pelvis; belly.
  • Abdominocentesis. A surgical puncture of a needle into the abdominal cavity to remove fluid from the abdomen.
  • Abscess. A localized accumulation of pus; usually associated with infection.
  • Acid. A fluid containing a high proportion of hydrogen ions, giving the liquid a sour taste. Measured by pH units, with 1 the most acid, and 14 the least acid. Chemical reactions in the body have to take place at or near neutrality, pH 7.
  • Activated Charcoal. Charcoal which has been treated to increase its adsorptive power (ability to have chemicals adhere to it); used to treat various forms of poisoning.
  • Active Immunity. The immunity produced when an animal’s own immune system reacts to a stimulus e.g., a virus or bacteria, and produces antibodies and cells which will protect it from the disease caused by the bacteria or virus. Compare with ‘passive immunity.’
  • Acute. Having a sudden and generally severe onset.
  • Addison’s Disease. Insufficient adrenal cortex function in an animal. This disease is also known as hypoadrenocorticism. It is a disease that results from a decrease in corticosteroid secretion from the adrenal gland.
  • Adjuvant.  A substance added to killed vaccines to stimulate a better immune response by the body. Common adjuvants contain aluminum compounds.
  • Adrenal glands. Two small glands near the kidneys produce many hormones required for life.
  • Adrenaline. A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that elevate heart and respiration rates; also called ‘epinephrine.’
  • Adrenergic. Communication between the nerves and muscles that uses epinephrine as the ‘messenger.’ Adrenergic stimulation is what is involved in the ‘flight or fight’ response, which means the body is alerted to a danger of some sort and prepares to basically run or fight. Adrenergic stimulation results in an increased heart rate, sweating, and increased blood pressure.
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone. A hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal gland to work.
  • Adsorbent. A solid substance that attracts other molecules to its surface.
  • Adulticide. Medication formulated to kill adult forms of a parasite.
  • Aerobic. Needing oxygen to live. See also Anaerobic bacteria.
  • Aerobic Bacteria. Bacteria require oxygen to survive and grow.
  • Agglutination. Clumping together
  • Albino. An animal that is completely white because it lacks the ability to make pigment. Its eyes are pale blue or pink.
  • Albumin. A protein in the blood responsible for the maintenance of osmotic (water) pressure in the blood; also binds (attaches)to large molecules in the blood and serves to transport them; produced by the liver; also called ‘serum albumin.’
  • Aldosterone. A hormone secreted by the adrenal gland that stimulates sodium (and therefore water) retention and potassium excretion; important in blood pressure maintenance.
  • Alimentary. Pertaining to food or the digestive tract.
  • Alkaline. A substance with very few hydrogen ions, and a pH over 7. Lye is strongly alkaline.
  • Allergen. A substance that causes an allergic reaction, e.g., pollen.
  • Alopecia. A loss of hair or baldness.
  • Alveoli. The tiny microscopic areas of the lung where the actual exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the blood occurs. Also called alveolus and alveolar sacs.
  • Analgesic. Medication that is given to reduce pain
  • Anastomosis. Surgical reconnection of intestines
  • Anesthesia. Absence of sensation
  • Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor. A drug that decreases the function of this particular enzyme. The angiotensin-converting enzyme changes a compound called angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent blood vessel constrictor. ACE inhibitors, then, have the effect of dilating blood vessels, since less Angiotensin II is produced. Also known as an ACE inhibitor.
  • Anisocoria. Unequal pupil size
  • Anorexia. Lack or loss of appetite
  • Anterior. Positioned in front of another body part, or towards the head of the animal. Opposite of posterior.
  • Anthelmintic. Medication which kills certain types of intestinal worms; dewormer.
  • Antibiotics. Usually refers to drugs administered to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria; not effective against viral infections.
  • Antibody. Small disease-fighting proteins produced by certain types of cells called ‘B cells.’ The proteins are made in response to ‘foreign’ particles such as bacteria or viruses. These antibodies bind with certain proteins (antigens) on foreign particles like bacteria, to help inactivate them.
  • Antibody titer. A measurement of the number of antibodies in the blood. The test to measure antibodies is usually performed by making a number of dilutions of the blood and then measuring at what dilution there is sufficient antibody to react in the test. For example, a titer of 1:8 (one to eight) means the blood can be diluted to one part blood and seven parts saline and still produce a positive reaction in the test. The higher the titer (1:16 is higher than 1:8), the more antibody is present.
  • Anticholinergic. Stopping the communications between certain nerves and muscles of the body including those of the gastrointestinal tract and heart. These nerves are called ‘parasympathetic’ nerves and do such things as constrict the pupils of the eye, stimulate contractions of the muscles in the intestine, and slow the heart rate. Anticholinergic drugs would have the effect, then, of dilating the pupil, slowing contractions of the intestines, and increasing the heart rate.
  • Apnea. Absence of breathing
  • Arthralgia. Root: Arthro (joints). Suffix: -algia (pain). Meaning: Pain in the joints.
  • Association of American Feed Control Officials. An organization that sets standards for pet food ingredients and minimum daily requirements. This is known as AAFCO as well.
  • Azotemia. Elevated renal (kidney) values
  • Bradycardic. Prefix: Brady- (slow). Root: cardio (heart). Suffix: -ic (pertaining to). Meaning: Slow heart rhythm.
  • Bradypnea. Slow respiratory rates
  • Cardiomyopathy. A disease of the heart muscle
  • Cataract. The opacity of the lens of the eye
  • Contralateral. Prefix: Contra- (against). Root: lateral (side). Meaning: Affecting the opposite side.
  • Cushing’s Disease. Excessive adrenal cortex function
  • Cyanotic/Cyanosis. Abnormal blue discoloration
  • Cystocentesis Needle. A needle puncture of the urinary bladder
  • Dyspnea. Difficult or labored breathing
  • Echocardiogram. Prefix: Echo- (sound). Root: cardio (heart). Suffix: -gram (tracing). Meaning: The record produced by a sound wave examination of the heart.
  • -ectomy. Surgical removal
  • Emesis. Vomiting
  • Endoscope. Prefix: Endo- (inner). Root: scope. Meaning: Instrument used to view the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, or another organ.
  • Enterotomy. Surgical incision into the small intestines
  • Gastropexy. Surgical fixation of the stomach to the body-wall
  • Gastrotomy. Surgical incision into the stomach
  • Glaucoma. Increase in ocular pressure
  • Gingivitis. Root: Gingiva (gums). Suffix: -itis (inflammation). Meaning: Inflammation of the gums.
  • Hematoma. Root: Hemo (blood). Suffix: -oma (tumor or mass). Meaning: A localized collection of blood, usually clotted, in an organ, space, or tissue.
  • Hemilaminectomy. Prefix: Hemi- (half). Root: lamina. Suffix: -ectomy (excision). Meaning: Removal of one side of a vertebral lamina.
  • Hemolyzed/Hemolysis Red. This is related to serum or plasma
  • Hyper. Means High
  • Hyperglycemia. Elevated blood glucose
  • Hypo. Means Low
  • Hypoglycemia. Decreased blood glucose
  • Hypothyroid. Prefix: Hypo- (deficient). Root: thyroid. Meaning: a Deficient activity of the thyroid gland.

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  • Laparoscopy. Root: Laparo (loin or flank). Suffix: -scopy (visual examination process). Meaning: Visualization of the abdominal cavity.
  • Omnivore. Prefix: Omni- (all). Root: vore (what one eats). Meaning: Animal that eats plants and meat.
  • Pancreatitis. Root: Pancreas. Suffix: -itis (inflammation). Meaning: Inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Pathology. Root: Patho (disease). Suffix: -ology (study). Meaning: The study of disease.
  • Polydactyly. Prefix: Poly- (many). Root: dactyl (digits). Meaning: Many (or extra) digits.
  • Prognathism. Prefix: Pro- (in front of). Root: nath (jaw). Suffix: -ism (condition). Meaning: Abnormal protrusion of one or both jaws.
  • Scleroderma. Prefix: Sclero- (hardness). Root: derma (skin). Meaning: Hardened skin.
  • Sclerosis. A hardening of tissue, usually the result of chronic inflammation.
  • Sebaceous Adenitis. Inflammation of a sebaceous (oil-producing) gland. In dogs, sebaceous glands are found on the top of the tail near its base, and at the junction of mucous membranes with skin. In cats, these glands are found on the chin, lip margins, and the top of the tail.
  • Sebaceous Gland. A gland in the skin which produces an oily substance.
  • Second Generation. A description of medications developed from an earlier form of the medication. First generation medications were developed from the original form of the drug; second generation medications are adaptations of first generation drugs; third generation drugs are adaptations of second generation, etc.
  • Secondary Infection. Infection which occurs because the tissue and its natural defenses have been damaged by another condition.
  • Secondary Response. The faster and greater immune response produced by an animal who has previously encountered that specific antigen. Memory cells are responsible for this more efficient response. Also called ‘anamnestic response.’
  • Seizure Threshold. The level of stimulation at which a seizure is produced. Raising the seizure threshold makes it less likely a seizure will occur.
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.  This is a medication which will slow down the ability of nerve cells to absorb serotonin, a neurotransmitter (chemical that serves as a messenger between nerves). Example of this is Prozac. Vet Clinics sometimes call this SSRIs.
  • Separation Anxiety. A behavioral condition in which the pet becomes anxious when separated from the owner. Dogs with separation anxiety tend to ‘shadow’ their owners, greet them exuberantly when they return after being gone, and sometimes vocalize, chew destructively, and urinate or defecate when separated from their owners.
  • Sepsis. The presence of toxins in the blood or other tissues; the toxins are produced by bacteria or other microorganisms.
  • Septic. A condition caused by an infection e.g., with bacteria or fungi, or toxins they produce.
  • Septicemia. A disease affecting many organ systems due to toxins in the blood which are released by bacteria or other microorganisms. Signs include fever, pinpoint bruises on mucous membranes, and lesions in the joints, heart valves, eyes, or other organs.
  • Serology. Laboratory testing for antibody-antigen reactions and antibody levels.
  • Serotype. A subdivision of a species of microorganism, e.g., a bacteria, based upon its particular antigens.
  • Serous. Means thin and watery.
  • Serum. The fluid portion of the blood after it has clotted and the cells have been removed.
  • Shedding.  A term used to describe the release of organisms (bacteria, protozoa, viruses) into the environment from an infected animal. The organisms may be in the stool, urine, respiratory secretions, or vaginal discharges. The ‘shedding’ animal may or may not be showing symptoms of disease.
  • Skin Cytology. Examination, with a microscope, of a skin scraping or material from swabbing the skin. The material may be stained and checked for the presence of yeast, bacteria, tumor cells, etc.
  • Skin Scraping. Scraping some material from the surface of the skin and looking at it under a microscope, e.g., to check for skin mites.
  • Smooth Muscle. The type of muscle found in the internal organs such as stomach and intestines (not the heart).
  • Soluble Carbohydrate. This is also known as soluble fiber. Easily digested carbohydrates like starch.
  • Somnolence. Sleepiness, a condition of semiconsciousness approaching coma.
  • Somogyi Effect. A condition in which the blood glucose level increases if too much insulin is given. It occurs when insulin causes the blood glucose level to go so low it stimulates the production of other hormones in the body such as epinephrine, which promote the breakdown of glycogen (the chemical compound which the body uses to store glucose) and increases the blood glucose level above normal. It is also called rebound hyperglycemia or insulin-induced hyperglycemia.
  • Spay. Sterilization by surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female animal.
  • Sphincter. A ring-like band of muscle that constricts a passage or closes an opening, e.g., the anal sphincter constricts to close the anus and relaxes when the animal is passing stool. The urethral sphincter closes the urinary bladder.
  • Spirochete. A type of bacteria which is long, slender, and assumes a spiral shape. Leptospira species and the bacteria that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) are spirochetes.
  • Spleen. Part of the immune system of an animal. A large, tongue-shaped organ in the abdomen containing many lymphocytes. The spleen filters blood and removes damaged cells. It can also manufacture new blood cells if the animal’s bone marrow is damaged.
  • Stasis. In the gastrointestinal tract, a condition in which the food does not move through normally, but remains in one section, e.g., food does not pass from the stomach into the intestine.
  • Status Epilepticus. A condition in which the animal exhibits one severe (Grand Mal) seizure right after another, with no time to recover in-between.
  • Stenosis. The narrowing of an organ of passage such as a blood vessel or intestine.
  • Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia. A condition in cats in which the blood glucose level becomes abnormally high when the animal is stressed, e.g., in the veterinarian’s office.
  • Stricture. The narrowing of an organ of passage such as a blood vessel or intestine.
  • Struvite. A chemical compound, magnesium ammonium phosphate, which is made by the body and can form crystals and stones in the urinary bladder.
  • Subcutaneous. Under the skin; often called ‘sub Q.’
  • Subluxation. A partial dislocation of a joint in which the bones become out of alignment, but the joint itself is still intact.
  • Substrate. Relative to the husbandry of reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, the substrate is the material that lines the bottom of a cage.
  • Sulfonamides. A class of antibiotics which contain sulfur. They are bacteriostatic (they stop the growth (reproduction) of bacteria, but do NOT kill them).
  • Superfecundation. Having a litter with more than one father (or breeding).
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia. A condition in which the heart beats very rapidly because of signals coming from the atria (chambers of the heart that receive the blood) or near the junction of the atria with the ventricles (the chambers of the heart that pump the blood to the body or lungs).
  • Sympathomimetic. Producing effects similar to the ‘flight or fight’ response, which means the body is alerted to a danger of some sort and prepares to basically run or fight. Sympathomimetic effects include increased heart rate, sweating, and increased blood pressure.
  • Syncope. The temporary loss of consciousness; fainting.
  • Synergist. An agent that enhances the action of another.
  • Synovial. Pertaining to a joint made up of bone ends covered with cartilage, ligaments, a cavity filled with synovial fluid (joint fluid) and an outside fibrous capsule, e.g., hip joint, elbow joint.
  • Systemic. Throughout the body.

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  • T cell. This is also called ‘T lymphocytes.’ The type of lymphocyte which is responsible for cell-mediated immunity. T cells may directly kill a cell or produce chemicals called lymphokines that activate macrophages which will kill the cell. Compare with ‘B cell.’
  • Tachycardia. An abnormally high heart rate.
  • Tachypnea. This means rapid breathing.
  • Tarsus. The ankle (rear leg) of dogs and cats; also called the hock.
  • Tartar. A build-up of bacteria, saliva, and food on the teeth which becomes mineralized, forming a hard coating and eventually causing gum disease and tooth loss.
  • Temporomandibular Joint. The joint between the lower jaw and the skull.
  • Third Generation. A description of medications developed from an earlier form of the medication. First-generation medications were developed from the original form of the drug; second generation medications are adaptations of first-generation drugs; third-generation drugs are adaptations of the second-generation, etc.
  • Thrombocytopenia. A lower than a normal number of platelets in the blood. Platelets, which are actually fragments of specific types of cells, are necessary for blood to clot. Signs of thrombocytopenia include bruising and bleeding from the nose, into the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
  • Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone. A hormone produced by the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to produce thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone-TSH), which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. Also called TSH releasing factor or TSH releasing hormone.
  • Tissue. A group of specialized cells that together perform a particular function, e.g., muscle tissue, nerve tissue, bone.
  • Titer. A measurement of the number of antibodies in the blood. The test to measure antibodies is usually performed by making a number of dilutions of the blood and then measuring at what dilution there is sufficient antibody to react in the test. For example, a titer of 1:8 (one to eight) means the blood can be diluted to one part blood and seven parts saline and still produce a positive reaction in the test. The higher the titer (1:16 is higher than 1:8), the more antibody is present. (NOTE: The word ‘titer’ may also be used when discussing the amount of antigen present, e.g., a high titer vaccine has a large number of virus particles.)
  • Topical. To be used on the skin.
  • Torsion. The twisting of an organ.
  • Toxemia. A condition in which toxins move into the bloodstream.
  • Tracheobronchitis. Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.
  • Transient. This is means temporary.
  • Transport Host. An animal or insect carries an immature parasite from one mammalian host to another. 
  • Tricyclic Antidepressant. A class of antidepressants that work by decreasing the number of certain chemical transmitters taken up by specific nerve cells. The tricyclic antidepressants include clomipramine, amitriptyline, and nortryptyline and are often used to treat behavioral problems in small animals.
  • Tubule. Microscopic ducts. The tubules in the kidneys help to concentrate the urine.
  • Tumor. Abnormal growth or swelling; term often used to designate cancer.
  • Type I Diabetes. A form of diabetes in which so little insulin is produced that supplemental insulin must be given for the animal to live. Also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
  • Type II Diabetes. A type of diabetes mellitus in which although the blood glucose levels are higher than normal, they are not immediately life-threatening, and the animal can survive without supplemental insulin. Also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
  • Ulcer. A lesion in which the tissue surface is eroded away.
  • Ultrasound. Ultrasound is also known as ultrasonography. This is a technique used to get the image of a deep structure within the body by directing ultrasound waves at it and recording the reflections (echoes) from it.
  • Umbilicus. The area of the body where the umbilical cord is attached; the belly button.
  • Urate. A chemical compound that contains uric acid and is made by the body, and can form crystals and stones in the urinary bladder. Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of certain proteins.
  • Urea. A waste product of protein metabolism that is removed from the body by the kidneys.
  • Urease. An enzyme that breaks down urea. Urea is a waste product of protein metabolism that is removed from the body by the kidneys.
  • Urinary Incontinence. A phrase used to describe the inability to control urination.
  • Urinary Obstruction. A blockage in the urinary system, most often occurring in the urethra, the tube that leads from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
  • Urinary Retention. A condition in which the urinary bladder does not rid itself of all urine it contains during the process of urination.
  • Urticaria. Hives; development of small swellings which may itch; usually caused by an allergic reaction.
  • United States Pharmacopeia. A drug regulating agency. Also known as USP for short.
  • Uveitis. Inflammation of the eye.
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  • Vaccination. The act of giving a vaccine. See also ‘immunization,’ since the two words have different meanings and are often confused.
  • Vaccine Failure. A term often used to describe a condition in which an animal who was vaccinated against a disease still gets the disease. In truth, there is usually nothing wrong with the vaccine, but for some reason, the animal’s immune system did not adequately react to it.
  • Vasculitis. Inflammation of blood vessels.
  • Vasoconstriction. A decrease in the diameter of blood vessels.
  • Vasodilator. An agent which dilates, or increases the diameter of blood vessels.
  • Vena Cava. Either of two large veins carrying blood to the right atrium of the heart. The cranial vena cava brings blood from the head region, front legs, and upper chest to the heart; the caudal (or posterior) vena cava carries blood from the areas of the abdomen and hind legs to the heart.
  • Vent. The outside opening of the cloaca, which is a common passageway for feces, urine, and reproduction.
  • Ventricle. The chambers of the heart that pump the blood to the body or lungs.
  • Ventricular Arrhythmia. A heart condition in which the heart beats irregularly and/or at an abnormal rate because of signals coming from the ventricles (chambers of the heart that pump the blood).
  • Vertebrate. Animal with a vertebral column (spine); includes such animals as fish, birds, turtles, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
  • Vesicle. A small, elevated area on the skin filled with a clear fluid.
  • Vestibular System. Portions of the inner ear, nerves, and brain which helps the body maintain balance.
  • Villi. Microscopic projections that covers the intestine, greatly increasing the surface area and therefore, increasing the ability to absorb nutrients. Singular: Villus.
  • Virus. The smallest form of life, invisible with an ordinary microscope. An infectious unit that enters and uses cells of plants or animals for replication. Some viruses cause disease in animals or plants.
  • Viscerocutaneous. Pertaining to the internal organs and skin.
  • Viscosity. The thickness of a fluid, e.g., molasses is more viscous than water.
  • Vital signs. The signs of life include pulse, respiration, and temperature.
  • Volvulus. Twisting of the stomach or intestine, which often has the effect of cutting off the blood supply to it.
  • Vomeronasal organ. The sensory organ also called ‘Jacobson’s organ,’ which detects pheromones.
  • Warm-blooded. Having a relatively high body temperature that is regulated internally and is independent of the environmental temperature. Mammals and birds are warm-blooded.
  • Wart. Benign growth caused by a virus.
  • Wasting. Loss of muscle mass due to decreased food intake or increased metabolic rate.
  • Whelping. In dogs, the act of giving birth.
  • White blood cells. Cells in the blood whose major role is to defend the body against invading organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are different types of leukocytes: lymphocytes are part of the immune system; monocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils eat or engulf organisms; basophils contain histamine and are involved in inflammatory reactions.
  • A window of susceptibility.  A time period in the life of a young animal in which the maternal antibodies are too low to provide protection against a certain disease, but too high to allow a vaccine to work and produce immunity.
  • Zoonotic. A disease that can be transmitted between animals and people.

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