Common Canine Diseases Vocabulary

Flashcards for common canine diseases focusing on vocabulary.

Viruses

Microscopic disease agents that only exist to multiply in their host.

Canine Distemper

The most serious viral disease of dogs, highly contagious and closely related to the human measles virus.

Carrier

An animal that shows no sign of disease while still infecting other animals.

Hardpad Disease

A hardening of the nose and pads.

Modified Live Vaccine (MLV)

Vaccine where the virus contained in the vaccine is weakened to the point where it will not cause disease in a healthy animal but will cause the production of antibodies

Canine Parainfluenza

A highly contagious disease causing upper respiratory disease and infectious tracheobronchitis

Canine Influenza

Newest emerging upper respiratory infection in dogs, thought to have developed from a strain of Equine Influenza that infected greyhounds

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Extremely contagious viral disease affecting the liver and other organs, caused by Canine Adenovirus (CAV-1)

Ascites

Fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity

"Blue eye"

Temporary clouded cornea.

Canine Parvovirus

Enteric disease usually attacking pups between weaning age and six months of age; diagnosis is via a fecal sample ELISA test.

Rabies

Oldest and most well-known of canine diseases that primarily attacks the nervous system and causes encephalitis

Prodromal Stage (Rabies)

First stage of rabies, lasts two to three days, symptoms include behavioral changes.

Furious Stage (Rabies)

Second stage of rabies, lasts two to four days, signs include irritability, restlessness, barking and aggression.

Paralytic Stage (Rabies)

Third stage of rabies, lasts two to four days, paralysis develops, leading to coma and death.

Bacterial Diseases

Caused by a bacteria and produces a toxin which affects normal activity.

Canine Leptospirosis

Acute infectious disease caused by a spirochete that primarily attacks the kidneys and liver

Spirochete

Spiral or coil shaped bacteria.

Lyme Disease

Disease transmitted through a tick bite; the tick must remain attached for at least 48 hours before the bacteria can be transmitted.

Brucellosis

Shows symptoms associated with the reproductive tract and spontaneous abortion after 45 to 55 days of gestation

Kennel Cough/Canine Bordetella

Also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis; causes inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi of the lungs.

Conjunctivitis

Also known as Pink Eye; causes inflammation of the conjunctival membrane that lines the eyelids.

Serous Discharge

Caused by physical irritants such as wind, cold, dust and various allergens; clear in color.

Mucoid Discharge

Caused by eye irritant or bacterial infection; typically thick and off-white in color.

Purulent Discharge

Occurs when serous discharge becomes infected; thick, green in color, and may crust around the eyelids.

Canine Urinary Tract Infection

Bacterial bladder infection in dogs; can be caused by stones, crystals, debris accumulation, or trauma.

Genetic Diseases

More than 300 dog diseases caused by the animal’s own genetic makeup.

Hip Dysplasia

Abnormal development of the hip joint.

Cataracts

A clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.

Canine Hypothyroidism

Most commonly diagnosed endocrine disease of dogs; caused by an underproduction of the hormone thyroxin.

Diabetes Mellitus

A metabolic disorder signaled by an increase in glucose in the blood and not the body’s cells.

Bloat

Serious, life-threatening condition where the stomach enlarges due to gas, dilation, or twisting.

Gastropexy

Surgical procedure where the outer wall of the stomach is “tacked” or sutured to the muscles lining the abdominal wall, preventing the stomach from twisting.

Heartworm Disease

Most damaging parasite in dogs; adult worms live inside the heart and major blood vessels leading to the lungs.

Microfilaria

The larvae; transmitted via a mosquito bite, travel to the heart, and take roughly 6 months to develop into adults.