Pet Health Glossary A–Z
Plain-English definitions of 51 veterinary and pet care terms, written for dog and cat owners, not medical professionals. Click any term to read the full definition, key facts, and FAQ.
51
Terms Defined
47
Dog Terms
41
Cat Terms
33
Vet/Medical Terms
A
Allergen
An allergen is any substance that triggers an abnormal immune response in a sensitive pet. Common pet allergen…
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Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which a pet has an abnormally low number of red blood cells or insufficient hemoglobi…
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Antiparasitic
An antiparasitic is any medication or treatment that kills, repels, or prevents parasites — including fleas, t…
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Atopy (Atopic Dermatitis)
Atopy, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic allergic skin disease caused by an overactive immune response to env…
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B
Benign
In veterinary medicine, benign describes a tumour or growth that is not cancerous, does not invade surrounding…
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Bloat / GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with g…
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Brachycephalic
Brachycephalic refers to animals with a shortened, flattened skull that compresses the airway, nasal passages,…
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C
Castration (Neutering)
Castration, commonly called neutering in males, is the surgical removal of the testes. It permanently eliminat…
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Chronic
In veterinary medicine, chronic describes a condition that develops slowly, persists for a long time (generall…
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Congenital
A congenital condition is one that is present at birth, whether inherited genetically or caused by development…
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D
Dehydration
Dehydration is a deficiency of total body water that occurs when fluid losses exceed fluid intake. In pets, it…
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Desensitisation
Desensitisation is a behaviour modification technique that gradually reduces a pet's fear or anxiety response …
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Dysplasia
Dysplasia means abnormal development or growth of a tissue or organ. In companion animal medicine, the term mo…
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E
F
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a painful inflammation of the bladder in cats with no identifiable infecti…
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Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common allergic skin disease in both dogs and cats. It is caused by …
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FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease)
FLUTD is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the bladder and urethra of cats, including feline idiopathi…
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H
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal parasitic infection caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a worm tr…
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Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, is the most common serious liver disease in cats and is caused by r…
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Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone, causing the meta…
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Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a deficiency of thyroid hormone caused by underactive thyroid glands. It is the most common …
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I
Idiopathic
Idiopathic means arising spontaneously from an unknown cause. In veterinary medicine, a condition labelled idi…
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Immunosuppression
Immunosuppression is a reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system, either caused by disease or delibe…
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Intoxication (Pet Poisoning)
Intoxication in pets means poisoning — exposure to a substance that causes harmful effects through its chemica…
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L
M
N
Neoplasia
Neoplasia means abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. It is the formal medical term for cancer or tumour …
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Neutering (Spaying and Castration)
Neutering is the surgical removal of an animal's reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. In females, it i…
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O
Obesity (in Pets)
Pet obesity is defined as body weight 20% or more above ideal weight. It affects 50–65% of dogs and cats in de…
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Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning is the learning process in which behaviour is modified by its consequences. Animals (and …
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Orectic
Orectic means relating to appetite or desire. It's the root of orexigenic (appetite stimulating) and anorectic (appetite suppressing), terms used for…
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P
Parvovirus
Parvovirus (CPV-2) is a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease in dogs that attacks the gastrointestinal…
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Prognosis
Prognosis is a prediction of the likely outcome and course of a disease or condition, based on the diagnosis, …
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Pyometra
Pyometra is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the uterus that occurs in intact (unspayed) female dogs …
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R
S
Seizure
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that temporarily disrupts normal funct…
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Socialisation
Socialisation is the process by which young animals learn to interact confidently with other animals, people, …
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Spay (Ovariohysterectomy / Ovariectomy)
Spaying is the surgical sterilisation of female dogs and cats through the removal of the ovaries (ovariectomy)…
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T
V
⚠ Medical Disclaimer: This glossary is for educational purposes only.
It does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis
and treatment of your pet.