Animal Health Concepts and Challenges

Flashcards covering key concepts related to animal health and welfare, including definitions and processes involved in health management, challenges, and wound healing.

Concept of Health

Defined by WHO in 1948 as a state of complete wellbeing: physical, mental, and social; not merely the absence of disease.

Animal Welfare

The consideration of the physical and psychological well-being of animals, highlighting the importance of reducing suffering and stress.

Biosecurity

A set of practical measures to prevent the spread of disease on and between farms, especially zoonotic diseases.

Haemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding, involving vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and clot formation.

Granulation Tissue

New tissue formed during wound healing, composed of leukocytes, fibroblasts, and capillary blood vessels.

Proliferative Phase

The phase of wound healing from 2 days to 3 weeks characterized by granulation, contraction, and epithelialization.

Inflammatory Phase

The initial phase of wound healing (immediate to 2-5 days) where vasodilation and phagocytosis occur to clean the wound.

Metabolic Challenges

Challenges to animal health arising from inadequate diets, poisons, and allergies.

Resistance to Challenges

Physical and behavioral characteristics animals evolve to handle health challenges, such as maintaining hygiene and social group stability.

Wound Healing

The biological process by which skin and other tissues repair themselves after injury.

Therapeutic Interventions

Medical treatments that support healing, including the use of medications and surgical procedures.

Psychological Challenges

Factors affecting animal health related to mental states, such as stress, delight, fear, and anxiety.

Chronic Infections

Long-lasting infections that can significantly impact an animal's health and quality of life.

Preventive Measures

Actions taken to avoid illness, including vaccination, hygiene, and biosecurity practices.

Natural Barriers

Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes that protect against infection and infestation.

Assisted Wound Healing

Techniques used to aid the healing of wounds, such as applying pressure, cold water, ointments, or sutures.