Abscess
A localized collection of pus in body tissue, usually caused by bacterial infection.
Veterinary Glossary
Common veterinary terms and definitions to help you understand your pet’s health
A
Acute
A condition that has a sudden onset and is typically severe but short‑lived.
Anemia
A deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.
Arthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness.
B
Benign
Not harmful or cancerous; a benign tumor is not malignant.
Biopsy
Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination to diagnose disease.
C
Chronic
A condition that persists for a long time or keeps recurring.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva; often called pink eye.
D
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin, typically with itching and redness.
Diabetes Mellitus
High blood sugar due to insulin deficiency or resistance.
E
Euthanasia
The humane ending of an animal's life to prevent suffering.
F
Feline
Relating to or affecting cats.
FIV
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, a viral infection of cats' immune system.
G
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining; can cause vomiting and discomfort.
H
Heartworm
A parasitic worm in the heart and pulmonary arteries; mosquito‑borne.
Hyperthyroidism
Overproduction of thyroid hormone; common in older cats.
I
Immunity
The body's ability to resist infection and disease.
J
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin/eyes from excess bilirubin; often liver‑related.
K
Kennel Cough
Infectious respiratory disease in dogs with a harsh, dry cough.
L
Lethargy
Sluggishness and lack of energy; commonly a sign of illness.
M
Malignant
Cancerous; can invade tissue and spread (metastasize).
N
Neuter
Surgical removal of the male reproductive organs (castration).
O
Obesity
Excessive body fat that poses a health risk.
Otitis
Inflammation of the ear (outer, middle, or inner ear).
P
Parasite
Organism that lives on/in a host and benefits at the host's expense.
Prognosis
Likely course and outcome of a disease or condition.
Q
Quarantine
Isolation to prevent spread of infectious disease.
R
Rabies
Fatal viral disease of the nervous system; transmitted via saliva.
S
Spay
Surgical removal of female reproductive organs (ovariohysterectomy).
Suture
Stitches used to close a wound or incision.
T
Titer
Measurement of antibody levels in blood to assess immunity.
Toxin
Poisonous substance produced by living organisms that can cause disease.
U
Urinalysis
Lab analysis of urine to detect compounds for diagnosis.
V
Vaccination
Administration of a vaccine to stimulate immunity.
W
Wound
Injury to tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact.
X
X‑ray
Imaging using X‑rays to view internal body structures.
Z
Zoonotic
Disease transmitted from animals to humans.
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