Web page Glossary

20 Veterinary terminology terms

Hello! I'm Maxime Portmann, a student of Natural Science with a goal of becoming a veterinarian. My passion for the welfare of animals has led me to pursue a career in this field, where I can use my knowledge and skills to improve their health and well-being. As a future student of veterinary science, I constantly learn about the biology and anatomy of different species, as well as the diseases and conditions they may face. I find it extremely fascinating to delve into the intricate systems and processes that keep animals functioning, and I am passionate about using my knowledge to help diagnose and treat any health problems they may have. In addition to my studies, I am also creating a glossary of animal-related terms to improve my own knowledge and share it with others. I believe that having a comprehensive understanding of the terminology used in the field of veterinary medicine is crucial for effective communication and diagnosis.

Aneurysm
noun
an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel
Example: My dog is jaw snapping, and he doesn't seem to be doing well. Upon arriving at the veterinarian, I was told to hurry because he is having an aneurysm crisis.
en: Anévrisme
Major symptoms of Aneurysm
APO Gabapentin
noun
Gabapentin is prescribed in veterinary medicine at a dose of 5 to 10 mg/kg, two or three times a day, for the management of neuropathic pain.
Example: My dog has severe neuropathic conditions. To counter that, the veterinary give one pill a day of Gabapentin to my dog.
en: APO Gabapentin
APO Gabapentin pill of 100 mg
autoclave
noun
a machine used to carry out industrial and scientific processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure in relation to ambient pressure and/or temperature. Autoclaves are used before surgical procedures to perform sterilization and in the chemical industry to cure coatings and vulcanize rubber and for hydrothermal synthesis
Example: The instruments must be sterile before they are used in the operating room. To achieve this, they are placed in the autoclave.
en: autoclave
autoclave
biopsy
noun
The removal of a small sample of tissue or fluid for examination. A sample is obtained in a way suited to the type of tissue and its location; it might be drawn out with a hollow needle and syringe, scraped with a curette, or cut away with a scalpel.
Example: The dog has a skin problem. To determine the issue, the veterinarian will perform a biopsy.
en: Biopsie
dog biopsy
catheter
noun
A thin flexible tube that is inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow passage of fluids.
Example: The dog is getting a catheter placed to ensure that it doesn't lack fluid and water in its body.
en: cathéter
catheter for a dog
euthanasia
noun
The deliberate, painless killing of an incurably ill or injured animal; also called putting to sleep or putting down.
Example: Unfortunately, my dog was too sick to continue living without pain. So I asked my veterinarian to perform euthanasia.
en: Euthanasie
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FVRPC vaccine
noun
The FVRCP vaccine is an extremely effective way to protect your kitty against 3 highly contagious and life-threatening feline diseases, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (that's the FVR part of the vaccine name), Feline Calicivirus (represented by the C), and Feline Panleukopenia (the P at the end of the vaccine name).
Example: My cat is young, and I want him to be protected against deceases. I will go to the veterinary, so he'll give my cat FVRPC vaccine.
en: Vaccin FVRPC
FVRPC
Hyperuricemia
noun
Hyperuricemia is an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood.
Example: My cat had a blood test yesterday. The veterinarian called me today to inform me that his blood was abnormally filled with urine. He told me that he has hyperuricemia.
en: Hyperuricémie
hyperucemia
Nephritic syndrome
noun
a collection of symptoms due to kidney damage. This includes protein in the urine, low bloods albumin levels, high blood lipids, and significant swelling.
Example: My dog wasn't feeling well two weeks ago, so I went to the emergency room. After an hour of waiting, the veterinarian diagnosed my dog with «nephritic syndrome».
en: Syndrome néphritique
a dog with the nephritic syndrome.
osteofibrosis
noun
The loss of calcium salts in bones; this causes fragility. This condition is found in horses, pigs, goats, dogs, and certain types of animals.
Example: My dog broke his leg three weeks ago. Last night, he broke his other leg. I think he might have fragility in his bones, maybe he has osteofibrosis.
en: ostéofibrose
Osteofibrosis on a young dog
Ovariohysterectomy
noun
The surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries, especially for an animal
Example: My dog just had her first menstruation. In a week, she will undergo an ovariohysterectomy, so she will no longer have menstruation.
en: Ovariohystérectomie
OVH (Ovariohysterectomy)
pill pocket
noun
A moist pet flavored treat that has a hole through the middle where a pill can be easily hiddened in order for the pet to consume it.
Example: My dog isn't taking his pills. I'm going to put it in a pill pocket to hide it from him, so he'll eat it.
en: poche à pilules
pill pocket
sarcocystosis
noun
Sarcocystis is an infection caused by a protozoan parasite species called Sarcocystis. Most Sarcocystis infections are asymptomatic, but complications can arise when the parasite migrates from the gut to other tissues in the body.
Example: My dog has contracted a protozoan parasite. After some tests, the analysis shows that he has sarcocystosis.
en: sarcocystose
Microscope image of sarcocystosis
technician help
noun
an employee who works in a vet center. He helps the technicians for blood pressure, vaccine or other tasks.
Example: Here a technician help. He will help you by holding the dog.
en: aide technicien
help technician in a clinic
thoracentesis
noun
is an invasive medical procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A cannula, or hollow needle, is carefully introduced into the thorax, generally after administration of local anesthesia.
Example: My dog has too much air in his back. This air cause so much pain. To stop this pain, the veterinary will do a Thoracentesis.
en: thoracentèse
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Tracheal intubation
noun
Tracheal intubation, usually simply referred to as intubation, is the placement of a flexible plastic tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway or to serve as a conduit through which to administer certain drugs.
Example: The cat is about to start its surgery. To ensure proper breathing during surgery, the veterinarian will perform a tracheal intubation.
en: Intubation trachéale
Tracheal intubation before a cat surgery
Trazodone
noun
Trazodone, sold under many brand names, is an antidepressant medication. It is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and difficulties with sleep.
Example: My cat is stressed lately. In fact, he often cries and bites guests when he's stressed. My veterinarian prescribed Trazodone for him to be less stressed.
en: Trazodone
Trazodone pill
ultrasonography
noun
a technique using echoes of ultrasound pulses to delineate objects or areas of different density in the body.
Example: Oh! I think your dog has something stuck in his stomach. I'm going to check with an ultrasonography machine to see what is stuck.
en: échographie
Ultrasonography machine
veterinary family practice
noun
Also known as “bond-centered practice,” in which the veterinarian establishes a lifelong relationship with families and their animals and cares not only for the medical welfare of the animal, but also for the social health of its family.
Example: New types of companion-animal practices have emerged. These are typically referred to as veterinary family practices or bond-centered practices.
en: cabinet vétérinaire familial
veterinary family practice
Veterinary technician
noun
assist licensed veterinarians with a wide array of tasks. In many ways, veterinary technicians perform duties for animals that are similar to what a nurse might do for humans. They support veterinarians in the diagnostic and treatment of sick and healthy animals.
Example: Here a veterinary technician. She will help you with your dog food malnutrition.
en: Technicien en santé animale