Veterinary Glossary for Pet Owners
Terms that come up in exams, diagnoses, and conversations with the veterinarian, explained clearly and accurately — without oversimplifying to the point of being wrong.
A
ALT (Liver Enzyme)
An enzyme measured in blood tests to evaluate liver health; elevated levels usually indicate damage to liver cells.
Anesthesia
A procedure that induces a loss of sensation or consciousness to allow surgeries and exams to be performed without pain, using protocols and monitoring tailored to each pet.
B
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV)
A serious veterinary emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and twists on its own axis, cutting off blood flow; most common in large, deep-chested dogs.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
A substance produced by the liver from the breakdown of protein and eliminated by the kidneys; measured together with creatinine to evaluate kidney function.
C
Canine Distemper
A serious, highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects unvaccinated dogs, attacking the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)
A serious, highly contagious intestinal viral infection, most common in puppies, that causes bloody vomiting and diarrhea and can be fatal within days.
Cardiomyopathy
A disease that affects the structure or function of the heart muscle, potentially leading to heart failure; some forms are common in certain dog and cat breeds.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
A progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function, very common in senior dogs and cats, that requires ongoing management to control symptoms and slow its progression.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A blood test that evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, used to investigate anemia, infection, inflammation, and clotting problems.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Inflammation of the membrane that lines the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, causing redness and discharge; it can have infectious, allergic, or irritant causes.
Core Combination Vaccine (DHPP/DHLPP)
A combination vaccine that protects dogs against several serious diseases at once, such as distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, given on a schedule of boosters.
Creatinine
A waste product removed by the kidneys, measured in blood to evaluate kidney function; elevated levels usually indicate that the kidneys are not filtering properly.
D
Dermatitis
A general term for skin inflammation, with many possible causes — allergies, parasites, infections, or irritants — that causes itching, redness, and discomfort.
Deworming
Periodic administration of medication to prevent and treat intestinal worms, recommended on a regular schedule throughout a pet's life.
E
Ear Infection (Otitis)
Inflammation or infection of the ear canal, one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits, especially in dogs with floppy ears.
Ectoparasite
A parasite that lives on the surface of an animal's body, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can cause itching, allergies, and transmit other diseases.
Euthanasia
A veterinary procedure that painlessly and humanely ends an animal's life, indicated in cases of incurable suffering or irreversibly compromised quality of life.
F
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
A virus that affects a cat's bone marrow and immune system, potentially causing anemia, immunosuppression, and certain cancers; transmitted through close contact between cats.
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
A virus that weakens a cat's immune system, similar to HIV in humans, transmitted mainly through bite wounds during fights between cats.
G
H
I
L
Leishmaniasis
A serious infectious disease transmitted by sand fly bites that can cause skin lesions, weight loss, and organ failure in dogs; it is also a zoonosis.
Leptospirosis
A serious bacterial infection transmitted mainly through rat urine and contaminated water or soil, which attacks the kidneys and liver; it is also a zoonosis.