Animal Health — Recognizing Diseases and Disorders (Disease & Pathology)

Infectious disease

A disease caused by a living agent (like bacteria or viruses) that can enter, survive, and multiply in the host.

Noninfectious disease

A disease not caused by a transmissible pathogen, often related to nutrition, toxins, trauma, or genetics.

Contagious disease

An infectious disease that can spread directly from one animal to another.

Bacteria

Single-celled organisms that can cause disease, some produce toxins.

Virus

A microorganism that requires host cells to replicate and can cause various diseases.

Fungi

Organisms often responsible for skin infections; some cause systemic diseases.

Protozoa

Single-celled parasites that can cause diseases such as coccidia.

Helminths

Worms including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes that can infect animals.

Ectoparasites

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites that can cause diseases directly or transmit other agents.

Nutritional disorder

A noninfectious disease caused by either deficiencies or excesses in diet.

Toxic disorder

A type of noninfectious disease caused by exposure to harmful plants, chemicals, or drugs.

Traumatic disorder

Injuries caused by mechanical actions or foreign bodies.

Genetic disorder

An inherited or congenital condition affecting animal health.

Neoplastic disorder

Diseases involving tumors or cancer.

Abnormal gait

A sign of potential pain or issues, such as lameness.

Lameness

Abnormal gait or reluctance to bear weight, indicating potential underlying issues.

Respiratory function abnormalities

Signs like coughing or nasal discharge indicating respiratory issues.

Gastrointestinal function abnormalities

Signs such as diarrhea or vomiting indicating GI tract issues.

Zoonotic disease

An infectious disease that can spread from animals to humans.

One Health concept

The interconnectedness of animal health, human health, and environmental management.

Active immunity

Immunity gained through exposure to antigens, building immune memory.

Passive immunity

Immunity acquired from transferring antibodies, providing immediate but temporary protection.

Vaccination series

A schedule of vaccine doses to ensure proper immunity development, especially in young animals.

Colostrum

First milk from a mother that provides maternal antibodies to newborns.

Clinical signs

Observable indicators of disease such as coughing or diarrhea.

Signalment

The details of an animal’s species, breed, age, sex, and reproductive status used in diagnosis.

Parasite management

Actions taken to control parasites in animals to prevent diseases.

Microorganisms

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths that can cause disease.

Vaccine schedule

The timeline for administering vaccines to ensure effective immunity for different species.

Management changes

Adjustments made to diet, housing, or handling to address noninfectious diseases.

Feeding management

Strategies to prevent nutritional disorders among animals.

Biosecurity measures

Precautions taken to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.