MEDICAL/VETERINARY DICTIONARY... ...for Cats
Medical language is highly specialized, full of large and unusual words the normal person will find difficult to understand. This specialized language allows veterinarians (and all medical persons) to communicate in a precise and exacting manner but can confuse and frustrate the average person.
The Family Veterinarian has attempted to use language that is easy to understand. We have attempted to clearly define new words as they are presented within the text. Nevertheless, most readers will come across words that may be unfamiliar. That is the purpose of this dictionary. It contains most of the words commonly and repeatedly used throughout the work. Some words are missing, however, as we feel they are adequately described elsewhere in the program.
Diseases, treatments, cancers and procedures are well described in the main areas of this work. Drugs are briefly described in the drug section. If you cannot find a word herein, please use the main index to search out the topic you are looking for.
Pick one of the following letters to narrow your search.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y
Auscultation
: The process of listening with a stethoscope. : The forced tearing away of one structure from another. : A form of microorganism. : Generally meaning unlikely to cause harm. : Substance produced by the liver, excreted into the intestines to aid the digestion and absorption of fats. : Pigment produced by the liver as part of blood metabolism. A buildup of such in the blood causes icterus or jaundice. : Any sac that holds fluids. : Soft material inside of bones that produces blood cells. : The term used to describe the administration of another vaccine or medication. : Referring to the large or small intestines. : Smaller tubes which carry air inside the lungs. : Smallest tubes which carry air into the alveoli. : An area where bleeding has occurred under the skin. : Wasting and malnutrition caused by disease. : A hormone produced by the parathyroid gland that controls calcium levels within the body. : A stone made from mineral accumulation. : An area of thickened skin. : A general term for an abnormal growth of cells that can cause harm to the body. : The four large fang-like teeth in the mouth. : The tiniest blood vessels through which blood reaches individual cells. The vessels between arteries and veins. : Starches and sugars used for energy production. : A substance that could cause neoplasia. : Pertains to the heart. : Stoppage of the heart. : Pertains to the heart and blood vessels. : Pertains to the heart and blood vessels. : Heavy white connective tissue in joints, the nose and ear areas. : A tube passed into a vein, bladder or other area of the body. : A sac like area at the beginning of the large bowel where the small intestine attaches. : The part of the brain that coordinates movement. : The large part of the brain which thinks, feels and initiates voluntary movement. : Earwax. : The opening and neck of the uterus. : The use of chemicals or drugs against a disease-causing organism or neoplastic tissues. : A fat-like substance essential to the production of hormones and steroids in the body. Produced by the liver. : The dark lining between the sclera and retina of the eye. : Long lasting. : Eyelashes. Small hairs. : The outward symptoms a patient exhibits during an illness. : Small erectile tissue of the female genitalia. : To clot. To go from liquid to solid. : The snail-shaped structure in the inner ear responsible for hearing. : Abdominal pain. : A form of fibrous connective tissue. : To catch or acquire. : The large intestine, responsible for water removal, fecal formation and fecal retention. : The first milk, often rich in antibodies to be transferred to the newborn. : When an egg becomes fertilized. : When trauma temporarily interrupts brain function. : Present at birth. : An excess accumulation of fluid or mucus in an organ or tissue. : The mucus membrane lining the back of the eyelids. : Difficult passage of dry feces. : A dye used to enhance visualization during X-ray production. : A bruise. : Loss of consciousness with irregular, involuntary muscle contractions. Often caused by a seizure. : The clear part at the front of the eye through which light passes into the eye. : The circulation of the heart. : Hormones natural and artificial. : The part of the skull housing the brain. : Substance produced in muscle tissue and excreted by the kidneys. : Scraping of a cavity or surface. : Blueness to lips, gums or other membranes. : A sealed sac filled with fluid, air or other material. : Weakness. : Shed at maturity as pertaining to baby teeth. : The loss of water from the body. : The part of the tooth under the enamel that houses the pulp tissue. : The genetic material. : The loss of energy and or mental alertness. : Inflammation of skin. : The layer of skin under the epidermis. : Glucose, a blood sugar. : The identification of a disease or condition by the veterinarian. : The muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and functions to assist breathing. : Loose or watery consistency to the feces. : The part of the heart cycle when the heart is not contracting. : A toe. : To open or expand. : The round cartilage plate between each vertebra. : Movement of a bone from its usual location. : The part of the small intestine closest to the stomach. : The tough membrane outside of the brain and spinal cord. : Abnormal development of a tissue. : Abnormal placement of a part. : The accumulation of fluid within a tissue. Swelling caused by fluid. : The accumulation of fluid inside of a cavity. : The expulsion of sperm from the male cat. : Salt substances in the blood and body tissues. : The blockage of a blood vessel by a clot or other material. : Very early developing fetus. : Substance that causes vomiting. : Putting fluid into the colon to soften hard stools and aid its passage. : Protein that aids complex chemical reactions inside the body.Eosinophil
: A type of white blood cell. : The outer layer of the skin. : The cartilage flap that covers the larynx so food or fluid does not enter the lungs. : see Seizure. : The hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate, blood pressure and mental alertness. : Stiffening and swelling of the penis for sexual intercourse. : Redness to an area due to blood vessel dilation. : Red blood cells. : The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. : Female sex hormone. : Tiny tubes that connect the middle ear with the pharynx. : Organic chemical made up of fatty acids. Has numerous functions within the body. : Having a fever. : Waste material from digestion expelled from the colon.Feline
: A cat. : Thigh bone. : The ability to produce offspring. : A young but developing kitten still in the womb. : An increase in body temperature in response to disease. : Indigestible plant material. : Quivery or uncontrollable and irregular contractions of the heart. : The smaller of the two bones below the knee. : Excess gas in the stomach or intestines. : An element that strengthens bones and teeth. : A gland or sac in the skin or ovary. : The soft area on top of the head where the bones have not yet fused. : A break in a bone. : A plant like organism that can invade the body. : A sac that holds bile until it is needed in the intestines. : Rotting of the tissues, often black in color. : Pertaining to the stomach. : Pertaining to the stomach and intestines and their related structures. : A group of DNA that codes for a specific trait in the cat. : Not being confined to one area. : A drug that is not trademarked. : The outward reproductive organs. : The branch of medicine dealing with the problems of older cats. : A general term for any organism that can attack the body. : The time from conception to birth. : An organ or tissue that secretes a substance to be used elsewhere in the body. : The blood protein made up of antibodies.Glomerulus
: see Glomeruli. : Clumps of blood vessels in the kidneys that filter the blood. : The hormone that causes the release of stored sugar from the liver. : Blood sugar. : The stored form of blood sugar. : The ovaries or the testicles. : White blood cells or the cells that fight infections. : Bad breath. : A sound in addition to the normal sounds of the heartbeat. : The period of time when a female cat is receptive to breeding and can become pregnant. : Vomiting blood. : A collection of blood under the skin or within an organ. : Blood in the urine. : Paralysis to one side of the body. : Chemical in the blood that carries oxygen. : The spitting up of blood. : The rapid loss of blood due to damage of blood vessels. : Pertaining to the liver. : Traits transmitted from parents to pups. : An abnormal opening in a body wall that can allow organs or tissue outside of their normal boundaries. : A chemical substance that stimulates other chemical reactions when it is released into the bloodstream. Is part of allergic reactions and the digestive process. : The part of the examination process where the veterinarian collects data on observations and symptoms the cat owner has observed and when they occurred. : Small, localized swelling in the skin often part of allergic reactions. : A substance produced by an endocrine gland that travels in the blood to the area where it will have its effect. : An increase in pigment in an area. : An increased growth of tissues within an organ that leads to enlargement of that organ.Hypertrophy
: Denotes a thickening or enlargement : Low blood sugar. : Low blood pressure or a weak circulation. : Decreased amount of oxygen in the blood. : Caused by the treatment. : A yellowing of the skin, eyes and other areas due to a buildup of bile pigments within the blood. : Of unexplained cause. : The part of the small intestine closest to the colon. : Upper portion of the pelvis. The hipbone. : To make stable to aid healing. : The state of being resistant to infection. : The process of introducing antigens into the body to stimulate the formation of antibodies, thus creating immunity. : Pressed against another structure causing immobilization. : To cut with a knife. : The small front teeth in-between the canine teeth. : The inability to control the retention of feces or urine. : Partial or incomplete digestion of food. : The invasion of the body by some type of organism. : The ability to transmit disease. : The inability to produce offspring. : A reaction by the body to some type of insult resulting in swelling, heat, redness and pain. : Pertaining to the groin area. : Unable to be treated by surgery. : The process of introducing semen into the vagina. : Hormone produced by the panaceas that control blood sugar levels. : The tube running from stomach to anus where most of the digestive process and absorption of nutrients occurs. : An inability to deal with a drug or other situation. : Within the skull. : Within or into the vein. : Unable to be voluntarily controlled. : The colored membrane in the eye than controls how much light gets into the eye. : The temporary loss of blood flow to an area. : A yellowing of the skin, eyes and other areas due to a buildup of bile pigments within the blood. : The middle and main part of the small intestine. : Point of junction between two or more bones where movement occurs. : The veins that carry blood from the brain back to the heart. : Protein in hair, nails, outer skin layer and footpads. : A complication of Diabetes Mellitus that occurs when too little insulin is in the blood. Can be fatal. : Two bean-shaped organs near the back that are responsible for filtering waste from the blood, controlling water balance, electrolyte balance and acid base balance within the body. : Muscle contractions that serve to expel kittens from the uterus at birth. : A tear or cut in the skin. : Gland in the eye that produces tears. : The process of milk production. : Milk protein. : The cartilaginous voice box. : The structure inside the eye that focuses light onto the retina. : Any abnormal area in a tissue or organ. Any abnormal growth. : Weakness or lack of energy. Not having a common activity level. : White blood cells. : Tough fibrous tissue that holds bones together at joints. : Fat in the blood. : A stone formed in the body. : The group of kittens born at one time. : The largest organ of the body that is responsible for making proteins, detoxifying poisons, producing bile, and storing sugar, minerals and vitamins. : Being confined to a specific area. : Pertaining to the lower back. : The spongy organs in the chest where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. : Clear tissue fluid. : Round organs located throughout the body where white blood cells collect and are distributed. Part of the immune system. : A type of white blood cell. : A type of white blood cell that can "eat" foreign substances. : Can spread to other parts of the body and cause damage. : The lack of proper food or an inability of the body to absorb and metabolize foodstuffs properly. : The breasts. : The lower jaw. : To chew. : The upper jaw. : Chemical that provides pigment to skin, iris, nails and hair. : Thin membrane that holds, covers or separates organs or tissues. : The three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. : Fold in the abdominal lining tissue that connect the intestines to the body wall and serves to carry the blood vessels and nerves to these organs. : The process of transforming foodstuffs, deriving energy and clearing the tissues of waste products. : When a tumor or other disease process moves from one part of the body to another area. : Single cell organisms of all types. : Urination. : Contraction of the pupil: small pupil. : The valve between the two chambers in the left side of the heart. : The teeth in the back of the mouth that grind food. : The ability to move. : The thin, moist lining of passages and cavities that is in contact with the air. : Tissues that produces movement. : Pertaining to the bones and muscles. : Muscle pain.Mycobacteria
: A special type of bacteria that can only reproduce inside a cat. : Insulating sheath along nerve fibers. : The heart muscle. : Disease of muscle tissue. : Nostrils. : The feeling of stomach upset that often proceeds vomiting. : The correct term for an autopsy on a cat. : Death and decay of cells or tissues. : The period of time from birth until kittens are six weeks old. : Any new and unusual growth. : Inflammation of the kidney(s). : The functional filtration unit of the kidney. : Fiber bundle that carries impulses from the brain and spinal cord to other areas of the body. : Sharp nerve pain. : A single nerve cell. : Disease of the nerves. : Chemical substances that facilitate nerve function. : The center of a cell where the genetic material is contained. : The closure of a passage. The alignment of the teeth as the mouth closes. : Hidden or difficult to find. : Pertaining to the eye. : Pertaining to the sense of smell. : Microorganisms that cause disease when an appropriate opportunity presents itself. : The nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain. : The eye socket. : Pertaining to the bones. : Bone disease. : The female gonads that produce eggs and some female hormones. : Sold without a prescription. : The process of releasing eggs from the ovaries. : An egg. : Female hormone that stimulates milk production. : Any unpleasant or uncomfortable sensation. : The roof of the mouth. : To feel or examine by touch. : Old term for paralysis. : The organ in the abdomen that secretes digestive enzymes and insulin. : Nipple-like. : Small red swelling on the skin. : The complete or partial impairment of the ability to move any part of the body. : Paralysis of the hindlegs. : Any organism that lives in another organism at the expense of that host being. : Four small glands associated with the thyroid gland that control calcium levels in the blood. : To give medicine or food by any method other than orally. : The kneecap. : Open or unobstructed. : The study of the cause of disease. : The chest area. : The bones that connect the spine and the hindlegs. : The male sex and urinary organ. : To make a hole or the hole itself. : The sac covering and enclosing the heart. : The are between the anus and the genitals. : The area around a tooth. : The tough lining outside of each bone. : Wave-like contractions that propel food throughout the digestive tract. : The lining of the abdominal cavity. : Infection of the abdominal cavity. : Destructive and sometime fatal. : Small hemorrhages under the skin. : The area at the back of the mouth or the upper portion of the throat. : The earflap. : Gland at the base of the brain that secretes many different hormones, which often controls other organs and glands. : The organ that attaches a developing kitten to the inside of the uterus. Food and oxygen cross the placenta for the kitten, and carbon dioxide and waste are removed via the placenta.Plasmacyte
: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. : The small disc-like blood cells that help the blood to clot. : The lining of the chest cavity and surface of the lungs. : A benign growth often growing on a stalk of tissue. : The period after whelping (birth). : The foreskin covering the penis. : A female sex hormone that maintains pregnancy. : The prediction as to the course and outcome of a disease or condition. : The falling out of a part or organ. : To take specific steps to prevent disease. : Potent chemical substances within the body often involved with reproduction. : Accessory male sex organ situated at the base of the urinary bladder that secretes fluid mixed with the sperm. : Complex nitrogen containing molecules essential for growth and repair of tissues. : A protein involved with blood clotting. : Itching or itchiness. : Originating in the brain. : The period of time when the cat becomes capable of reproduction. : Pertaining to the lungs. : The fluctuation in size of arteries felt as the heart pumps blood. : The opening in the iris through which light passes into the eye. : Forming or containing pus. : The thick yellow material containing white blood cells and often bacteria. : Small collections of pus on the skin. : The part of the stomach where the intestine attaches that also regulates outflow from the stomach. : Having a fever. : Paralysis of all four legs.Queening
: The delivery of kittens. : One of the two bones of the forearm between the elbow and the wrist. : Commonly used to define any skin problem where there is redness or sores. : The terminal portion of the large bowel just before the anus. : An involuntary movement in response to a stimulus. : Backflow or regurgitation. : Stubborn, not responding well to treatment, resistant. : Bringing food or fluid up without forceful effort. : To come back again. To recur. : To have all symptoms gone. : Pertaining to the kidneys. : The removal of a part of an organ. : Breathing. : Revival of breathing or heartbeat after an apparent death. : The light sensitive part of the eye at the back of the globe. : A small microorganism different form a bacterium or a virus. : The part of the tooth that encloses the vital pulp. : The point where the spine, sacrum and pelvis join. : The triangular bone between the lumbar spine and vertebra of the tail. : A salt solution. : The fluid secreted by the salivary glands to lubricate and start digestion of foodstuffs. : The shoulder blade. : The major nerve that supplies the hindlegs. : The fibrous outer coating that forms the most of the eyeball. : Hardening or thickening of an organ or tissue. : The pouch of skin that holds the testicles. : An oil producing gland.Secondary Infection
: An infection that occurs after something else first causes an illness. : The process of producing material by a gland. The material produced by a gland. : A period of abnormal electrical activity within the brain. Often produces a loss of consciousness and abnormal muscular activity. : Fluid containing sperm ejaculated by the male cat during intercourse. : Microorganisms in the bloodstream. : Microorganisms in the bloodstream. : Fluid left after blood clots. : A state of decreased blood flow. : A diversion of blood from its normal course. : Undesirable changes produced from a drug or treatment. : Cavities within bone that most often communicate with the nasal cavity. : An involuntary movement produced by a muscle contraction. : The cells in male semen capable of fertilizing the egg of a female. : A circular muscle that controls the opening of an orifice. : The opening through the vertebra where the spinal cord can reside. : The connected vertebra of the spine. : The collection of nerves that carry impulses from the brain to other areas of the body. : The organ in he abdominal cavity that stores blood and immune cells. : An injury to a ligament. : Fluid and mucus produced in the respiratory tract. : The closing or narrowing of an opening or passage. : The process of removing microorganisms from instruments. The process of rendering a cat incapable of reproduction. : The breastbone. : A kitten born dead. : The sac-like organ that receives food from the mouth and churns and secretes acids to further digest the food. : Feces. Waste material produced by digestion and excreted from the colon. : An injury to muscle tissue. : A term used when a disease isn't chronic but has gone on for awhile. : Beneath the skin. : Treatment given to sustain the cat and give it an opportunity to heal. : A solid drug meant to be put into the rectum or vagina. : To form and discharge pus. : A material used to repair wounds. The process of sewing a wound closed. : An increase in thickness or consistency of an area. : The changes seen in the cat that reflects the disease process. : The junction between nerves. : Fainting. : A collection of symptoms that describe a disease process. : The thick fluid inside joints that provides lubrication for the joint. : Pertains to involvement of the whole body. : The period of time when the heart is contracting and pumping blood. : Hard buildup on the teeth. : Fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. : The male gonads where sperm is produced. : Male sex hormone produced by the testicles. : Pertaining to the thorax. : The chest cavity where the lungs and heart reside. : Blood protein involved in blood clotting. : Platelets, the blood clotting cells. : The gland in the chest of young cats involved in the establishment of the immune system. : The gland in the neck responsible for production of thyroid hormone. : The larger of the two bones in the leg below the knee. : A collection of similar cells. : Two masses of lymphatic tissue in the back of the throat. : Pertaining to the surface. : A device that can be tightened on the body to control bleeding. : Having toxins in the blood. : Poisonous. : A poisonous compound. : The windpipe that carries air from mouth to the lungs. : To pull or stretch out an area. : To replace blood that has been lost. : To move from one area to another. : Any injury to the body. : An involuntary quake of the body. : The valve between the upper and lower chamber of the right side of the heart. : Any abnormal growth in the body. : The eardrum. : An open sore on the skin or mucus membranes. : The larger bone of the forearm that forms the point of the elbow. : The navel or "belly button". Usually small and hidden in cats. : The byproduct of protein metabolism. Filtered out by the kidneys. : The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. : The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. : The act of removing urine from the body. : Waste fluid produced by filtration in the kidneys. : The female organ that holds developing kittens before birth. : An internal lining tissue of the eye. : The process of giving antigens to stimulate immunity in the body. : Inactivated microorganisms used to stimulate immunity in the body. : The tube between the vulva and the uterus. : Pertaining to blood vessels. : The tube that carries sperm from the testes to the penis. : Any vessel that carries blood back to the heart. : Pertaining to veins. : The lower and larger chambers of the heart where the blood is pumped to the body or the lungs. : The bones of the spine. : A small fluid filled sac. : Involving a virus. : Highly poisonous or toxic. : An infectious microorganism that must live inside host cells to survive and reproduce. : Internal Organs. : Breathing, heartbeat and body temperature. : Chemicals essential for chemical reactions to occur within the body. : The gelatinous material between the iris and the retina that supports the structure of the eye. : The folds of tissue inside the larynx involved with sound production. : To eject food or fluids from the stomach. : The external female genitalia. : A common term for the uterus. : A single-cell form of fungi.HOME PAGE | HOSPITAL INFORMATION | PET HEALTH INFORMATION
©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.