Veterinary Science Study Notes: Recognizing Diseases and Disorders (Animal Science Strand 2)

Disease

Any condition that disrupts normal body structure or function.

Infectious Diseases

Diseases caused by microorganisms that can enter a host, replicate, and damage tissues.

Noninfectious Diseases

Diseases not caused by pathogens, often resulting from genetics, nutrition, toxins, trauma, or environmental factors.

Chain of Infection

The process: agent → reservoir → exit route → transmission → entry route → susceptible host.

Direct Contact Transmission

Infection spread through physical contact between animals.

Fecal-Oral Transmission

Infection spread via contaminated feed/water or dirty housing.

Respiratory Aerosols

Pathogen transmission through fine droplets in the air.

Vectors

Organisms, such as ticks or mosquitoes, that spread infectious agents.

Fomites

Inanimate objects that can carry infectious agents, such as tools or clothing.

Vertical Transmission

Spread of pathogens from a mother to her offspring during pregnancy or nursing.

Nutritional Imbalances

Disorders caused by deficiencies or excesses in an animal's diet.

Environmental Stress

External factors, such as heat or cold, that negatively affect animal health.

Lameness

An abnormal gait due to pain or mechanical dysfunction.

Fracture

A break in the bone, causing sudden non-weight-bearing lameness and swelling.

Joint Inflammation

Swelling, heat, and pain in joints, which may be acute or chronic.

Conformation Abnormalities

Deviations in an animal's body structure, which can be congenital or acquired.

Heat Stress

Occurs when heat gain exceeds heat loss, leading to potential organ failure.

Poor Air Quality

Condition with excessive dust or ammonia that irritates the respiratory system.

Parasites

Organisms that live on or in a host and may cause disease by taking nutrients.

Active Immunity

Immunity developed through exposure to an antigen, leading to antibody production.

Passive Immunity

Immunity gained from antibodies transferred from another individual, often from colostrum.

Zoonotic Diseases

Infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Biosecurity

Practices that prevent the introduction and spread of disease in animal populations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gear worn to minimize exposure to infectious agents and hazardous materials.

Urinalysis

A test that evaluates urine for physical properties, chemistry, and sediment.

Fecal Flotation

A diagnostic test to detect parasite eggs in feces by using flotation techniques.

Radiography

An imaging technique that uses X-rays to visualize internal bone and gas structures.

Ultrasound

An imaging modality that uses sound waves to visualize soft tissue and fluid.

Vaccination Schedule

A series of vaccinations administered to provide immunity against specific diseases.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response.

Pathogen

A microorganism that can cause disease.

Symptoms of Infection

Clinical signs indicating illness, such as fever or abnormal behavior.

Immunization

The process of becoming immune or resistant to a disease, typically through vaccination.

Injury vs. Disease Diagnosis

Differentiating issues caused by trauma from those stemming from infectious or noninfectious diseases.