Glossary

 optical

pertaining to vision

 vaginitis

Inflammation of the vagina.

"bodily waste" elimination

discharging feces, urine, or foreign substances from the body via defecation, urination, and emesis

intraocular pressure

pressure within the globe

Castration

Removal of the testes, generally used when referring to large animals

chutes

Large piece of equipment that stabilizes a cow, often immobilizing their head

desensitization

The procedure of exposing an animal to a situation slowly in order to make it less stressful in the future

erythrocytes

red blood cells

intraocular pressure

pressure within the globe

nephrons

Functional unit of the kidney that filters blood

abdominal

pertaining to the abdomen

abduction

The act of moving (taking) away from

abortion

is the termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus

abscesses

Masses filled with pus

acoustic

pertaining to sound.

adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body

adenoma

A mass or tumour in a gland

adipose tissue

is a loose connective tissue composed mostly of adipocytes, known as body fat

adrenal cortex

The outer region of the adrenal gland; secretes steroid hormones (Betts et al., 2013)

adrenalectomy

removal of adrenal gland via surgery

adrenaline

is a hormone involved in regulating visceral functions, produced by the adrenal glands

Allergic

The immune system's over-reaction to a substance or antigen

alopecia

hair loss

alveolar

Pertaining to the alveoli

anal

Pertaining to the anus

anemia

A condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin is lower than normal

anesthesia

is a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical or veterinary purposes

anterior

towards the front

antiemetics

work against or prevent vomiting

apnea

no breathing

arthralgia

The condition of pain in the joints

arthritis

inflammation of the joints

artificial insemination

a procedure done by veterinarians to inject semen into the vagina.

asymptomatic

without symptoms.

ataxia

without coordination.

audiology

is a branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders

Aural

pertaining to the ear.

auscultation

the act of listening.

Autoimmune

relating to disease caused by antibodies or lymphocytes produced against substances naturally present in the body (oxford dictionary).

autotomy

the casting off of a part of the body (e.g., the tail of a lizard) by an animal under threat. (wikipedia)

avian

Relating to birds

bilateral

Pertaining to two (or both) sides

binocular vision

Vision that uses both eyes together

biohazard waste

also called infectious waste or biomedical waste, is any waste containing infectious materials or potentially infectious substances such as blood.

biopsy

to view life

biped

an animal with two feet

bitch

female canine.

blepharitis 

inflammation of the eyelids.

bovine

a cow

bradycardia

condition of a slow heart rate

breeding

the mating by animals to produce offspring.

bronchial

pertaining to the bronchi or bronchioles

buccal

pertaining to the cheek

buccogingival

pertaining to the internal mouth; especially the cheeks and gums

cages

Enclosures for pocket pets and birds

calculus

is a form of hardened dental plaque

Capillary refill time

obtaining by applying pressure to the mucous membranes to blanch them, then determining the time it takes to return to normal colour

cardiology

the study of the heart

cardiomegaly

enlargement of the heart

cardiomyopathy

Disease condition of the heart muscle

carnivores

Animals that eat meat

carpus

the joint (a thing) between the radius and the ulna

cavity

hollow space or hole

cervical

Pertaining to the cervix

chemotherapy

treatment of neoplasm through the use of chemicals

cholecystectomy

surgical removal of the gallbladder

cilia

thin hairs within the nostrils

clinical signs

observation of a medical condition, injury or illness that may be observed or detected during an examination.

colectomy

removal of part of the colon

colicking

When a horse is experiencing colic (abdominal pain)

colonic

pertaining to the colon

colostomy

a surgical opening to the colon

combining form

is the combination of the root and the combining vowel

combining form vowel

has no meaning but connects roots to suffixes and roots to other roots

combining vowel

A single vowel, usually an o, sometimes an i, added to the end of a root to make the word easier to pronounce

congenital

Condition present at birth

conjunctivitis

inflammation of the conjunctiva or membrane of the eye.

coprophagic

The eating of feces

corneal

pertaining to the cornea.

cranial

pertaining to the skull

cranium

pertaining to the skull

cryotherapy

Treatment with cold

cryptorchidism

also known as undescended testis, is the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum

cutaneous

Pertaining to the skin

cyanotic

Bluish or purplish discolouration caused by oxygen deficiency in the blood

cystocentesis

surgical puncture of the urinary bladder with a needle to remove urine

cystotomy

incision into the urinary bladder

cytology

The study of cells

dehydrate

lose a large amount of water from the body

dental

pertaining to the teeth

dentition

refers to the teeth as a whole

dermatitis

inflammation of the skin

dermatosis

a skin condition

dermis

inner layer of the skin.

diagnosis

A state of complete knowledge (this term is an exception to the rules; the suffix -sis means "state of")

diarrhea

loose or liquid bowel movements

distal
diurnal

Active during the day

dorsal

towards the back

dowel

A peg of wood; often used to hold parts of something together

drapes

Material used to provide a barrier to protect items such as surgical instruments from contamination

drugs

Medications or other substances that have a physiological effect when introduced to the body

dysphagia

difficulty eating, swallowing.

dyspnea

lack of breath, shortness of breath

dysuria

difficulty urinating

ectoparasite

is an organism that lives on the outer surface of the host

ectothermic

an animal who depends on their external environment for regulation of their body temperature and cannot regulate their own body temperature.

edema

fluid accumulation

electrocardiogram

a recording of the heart's electrical activity through repeated cardiac cycles

electrocardiograph

An instrument used to record the electrical activity of the heart

electrocardiography

The process of recording the electricity of the heart

electrosensitive

sensitive to electromagnetic fields.

encephalitis

inflammation of the brain

endoparasites

Parasites living within the tissues and organs of the host.

endoscopy

process of visual exam of a body cavity or organ with a narrow, tube-like instrument (endoscope)

endotracheal

pertaining to within the trachea

endotracheal tube (ET)

a tube that passes through the oral cavity into the wind pipe to provide anesthetics to the patient

enrichment

Items in an animal's environment that encourage the animal exercise and/or provide entertainment

enteric

pertaining to the small intestine

enteritis

inflammation of the intestines

epidermal

Pertaining to above the skin

epidermis

outer layer of skin, made of closely packed epithelial cells

equine

a horse

erythema

skin redness

erythrocyte

red blood cell.

erythroderma

abnormal redness of the skin

esophageal

pertaining to the esophagus

exocrine

To secrete outside; for example, exocrine glands

extravascular

Pertaining to outside the vascular system

farriers

Professionals who care for hooves (e.g., trimming, balancing); primarily work with horses

flexion

closure of a joint or reduction of an angle of a joint.

Gait

rate or sequence of movement such as walking or trotting. (Merrriam-Webster).

gastrointestinal

pertaining to the stomach and intestines

gastrointestinal flora

The bacteria and other organisms that reside in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

gastropexy

surgical stabilize the stomach to the abdominal wall

gelding

Term for castration specifically in horses

gestation

the period of development of the fetus in the uterus

gingivitis

inflammation of the gums

glossitis

inflammation of the tongue

guard hairs

The long, coarse outer layer of hair on most species that protects the fur and skin

heliothermic

Seeking heat from the sun

hematemesis

vomiting blood

hematoma

a mass of blood

hematuria

blood in the urine

hemiplegia

paralysis that affects only one side of your body (Cleveland clinic)

hemogram

record of blood examination

hemorrhage

Excessive discharge of blood, often from a trauma

hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver

herbivores 

Animals that eat plants

hibernate

inactive for extended periods.

histology

The study of tissue

homeostasis

biological process that results in stable equilibrium

Husbandry 

the care and act of caring for plants and animals.

hutches

An enclosure for small animals

hydrolysis

is any chemical reaction in which a molecule of water breaks one or more chemical bonds

hyperflexion

over extension of a joint

hyperthyroidism

A condition of high thyroid

hypothyroidism

a condition of low thyroid

hysterectomy

Surgery to remove the uterus and, sometimes, the cervix (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)

incision

the separation of an object, into two or more portions, through the application of an acutely directed force

infectious

capable of producing an infection

inflammation

is part of the biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.

ingesta

material taken into the body via the digestive tract

inhalation

is the process of drawing air or other gases into the respiratory tract

intercostal

pertaining to between the ribs

interstitial fluid

is the tissue fluid that travels between the spaces between the cells of a tissue or an organ

Intestinal

Pertaining to the intestines

intramuscular

pertaining to within the muscle

intravenous

Pertaining to within a vein

keratectomy

surgical removal of portion of the cornea.

labial

pertaining to the lips

laceration

irregular tear-like wounds caused by some blunt trauma.

lacrimal

pertaining to the secretion of tears.

lactation

the secretion and production of milk by the mammary glands.

laparotomy

incision into the abdomen

laryngoscope

an instrument used to the examine or view the voice box

lateral

farther from the midline or towards the side of the body.

lethargy

is a state of tiredness, sleepiness, weariness, fatigue, sluggishness or lack of energy.

leukocyte

A cell that is white; white blood cell

leukocytes

white blood cells.

leukopenia

deficiency of white blood cells

ligamentitis

Inflammation of a ligament

lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell in the immune system; the main type of cell in lymph

malignant

Growing in an uncontrolled or invasive way; typically refers to cancer that has spread to nearby organs or tissues

mammary

pertaining to the breast or milk secreting organs of mammals.

Mammary gland

Modified sweat glands that produce breast milk (Betts et al., 2013)

mastectomy

surgical removal of the breast or mammary gland

mastication

the process of chewing food

matting

The hair coat of an animal becoming entangled and clumped together

medial

closer to the midline or towards the middle.

medial canthus

medial corner of the eye where upper and lower lids meet

microscope

is a laboratory instrument used to examine objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

miosis

pupil constriction

monogastric

Having only one stomach compartment

mucous membranes

inner lining of organs and cavities

multifilament

multiple strands bonded or twisted together

muscular

pertaining to the muscle

mydriasis

Pupil dilation

myelitis

Inflammation of the spinal cord.

myeloma

A malignant tumor in the bone marrow

myocardium

The middle and thickest muscle layer of the heart (Betts et al., 2013)

Myopathy

Pathology (disease) of the muscle

nasal

pertaining to the nose

necropsy

post-mortem (after death) examination on an animal species.

necrosis

An abnormal condition of death

negative feedback

A counteraction that stabilizes or influences an action that occurred

Neonatal

Newborn (in reference to baby animals)

neoplasia

is a type of abnormal and excessive growth of tissue

neoplasm

New formation or growth

nephritis

Inflammation of the kidneys

neuralgia

the condition of pain in the nerves

nocturnal

more active at night than in the day.

non-parenteral

Administering medication through routes other than injection through the skin or delivery via the skin

ocular 

pertaining to the eye

oliguria

very little urine

onychectomy

is a surgical procedure to remove an animal's distal phalanges or claws. Also, known as declawing

oocyte

A cell in the ovaries.

ophthalmoscope

an instrument used to examine the eye.

ophthalmoscopy

The process of visually examining the eye

optical

pertaining to vision

oral

pertaining to the mouth

orchidectomy

surgical removal of the testes, also known as castration.

osteitis

inflammation of the bone

osteoarthritis

Inflammation of the bones and joints

osteoporosis

is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass

otitis

inflammation of the ear

otoscope

instrument to visual examine the ear

ovarian

Pertaining to the ovaries

ovariohysterectomy 

surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, also known as a spay.

ovariohysterectomy (spay)

surgical removal of the ovaries, uterine tubes and uterus

palpation

examination by touching or feeling to determine size, texture, location and consistency of body parts.

pancreatic

Pertaining to the pancreas

pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

pancytopenia

Deficiency in all blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets)

parathyroid

Pertaining to beside the thyroid

Parenteral

Administered through routes other than the gastrointestinal tract

pathology

is the study of disease and injury.

pelvic

pertaining to the pelvis

perianal

Around the anus

pericardium

A structure surrounding the heart

peristalsis

is a type of wave-like involuntary muscle movement that occurs in the digestive tract allowing the movement of food and liquid.

pharyngectomy

Removal of part of the pharynx

pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx

phlebitis

inflammation of the vein

phlebotomy

an incision into a vein

piloerection

the act of the hair standing straight up

pinna

external ear.

platelet
platelets

a clotting cell; a blood cell that helps stop bleeding by forming clots; also known as a thrombocyte.

pneumonia

Pertaining to the lungs; a serious lung infection caused by a virus or bacteria

polydactyl

pertaining to many digits

polydipsia

Much thirst

posterior

describes the back or the direction toward the back of the body.

postmortem

death after or after death

precancerous

Pertaining to before cancer

prefix

goes at the front of the term and changes the meaning.

prehension

the act of grasping food

Production animals

Animals used in farming to produce goods (e.g. cows for milk/beef, pigs for pork, chicken for eggs, etc.)

prolapse

to fall forward

proprioception

The body's ability to sense location, force, movements, and position of the parts of the body

pruritus

itchy skin

pseudopregnancy

false pregnancy

puberty

the onset of adulthood where the body experiences hormonal and physical changes to allow the body to reproduce.

quadriplegia

Paralysis of all four extremities

quadruped

an animal with four feet (pads/hooves)

radiograph

an image produced on a sensitive plate or film by X-rays, gamma rays, or similar radiation, and typically used in medical examination. (wikipedia).

reception

the action or process of receiving something sent, given, or inflicted (oxford dictionary).

rectal

pertaining to the rectum

refractometer

an instrument that measures the density of urine compared to pure water via the refractive index.

renal

pertaining to the kidneys

retinal

pertaining to the nervous tissue of the eye or retina.

retroperitoneal

Pertaining to behind the peritoneum

rhinitis

inflammation of the nose

rhinoplasty

surgical repair of the nose

RVT

Abbreviation for registered veterinary technologist

RVT (Registered Veterinary Technologist)

highly trained professional with a minimum 2 years training in accredited programs and have completed the national examination. They work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian

scalpel

A surgical knife with a small, sharp, sometimes detachable blade

scleritis

inflammation of the white of the eye or sclera.

sensory receptors

Nerve endings that send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) when stimulated

septicemia

Infection of the blood

serum

the liquid portion of the blood after it has clotted.

splenectomy

surgical procedure to remove spleen

splenic

Pertaining to the spleen

sterile

Free from living organisms or bacteria

stethoscope

is a medical device for auscultation, or listening to internal sounds of an animal or human body

stomatitis

Inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth (National Cancer Institute, n.d.)

subcutaneous

pertaining to below the skin

suffix

goes at the end of the term and changes the meaning

superorganism

is a group of synergetically-interacting organisms of the same species.

suprascapular

pertaining to above the scapula

suture

A way of holding together the edges of a surgical incision or wound, usually with stitches, staples, or glue

symptom

A characteristic or sign of disease sensed by a patient either physically or mentally

tachycardia

condition of a fast heart rate

tendonitis

inflammation of the tendon

Terrestrial

Living on land; relating to or referring to the Earth

thermometer

is a device that measures temperature

thermoregulate

The ability to regulate one's own body temperature

thermoregulation

The regulation and maintenance of body temperature; balancing heat generation with heat loss

thoracic

Pertaining to the chest

thrombocyte

A cell that clots (platelet)

thyroidectomy

surgical removal of the thyroid

thyroidotomy

An incision into the thyroid gland.

topographical

An accurate description of the physical features of the anatomical parts of a species

tracheostomy

An incision into the trachea

transdermal

pertaining to across the skin

triceps

An arm muscle with three attachment points (lateral, medial, and long) that joins the humerus and scapula to the ulna

turbidity

cloudiness

ungulate

animals with hooves.

Ungulates

Mammals with hooves

unilateral

Pertaining to one side

ureterolith

stone in the ureter.

urethral obstruction

a blockage in the urethra, caused by urinary stones or plugs clogging the urethra. This is a life-threatening condition.

urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra

urinalysis

is a panel of medical tests that includes physical (macroscopic) examination of the urine

Urolithiasis

Calculi (stones) or sludge in the urinary tract

uterine

pertaining to the uterus

vaccine

The treatment or administration of a substance to stimulate immunity to a pathogen or infectious disease; often created from an inactive or weakened form of the infectious agent

vascular

Pertaining to the blood vessels

vasoconstriction

Narrowing of a blood vessel

venipuncture

withdrawing blood from a vein.

ventral

pertaining to towards the belly

ventrodorsal

oriented from or positionally from the ventral region to the dorsal region.

vertebral

Pertaining to the vertebra

vision

the act of seeing

whole blood

blood as it is present in the body (all components present)

word root

gives the essential meaning of the term

zoonotic

A disease that is transmissible between humans and animals

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Introduction to Veterinary Terminology Copyright © by Kelly Robertson, RVT and Dr. Matéa David-Steel, DVM is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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