Veterinary Medicine and Infectious Diseases Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to veterinary medicine, particularly focusing on infectious diseases and their treatments.

Metronidazole

An antibiotic used to treat giardiasis and anaerobic bacterial infections.

Giardia

A protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness in dogs, often from contaminated water.

EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis)

A neurological disease in horses caused by the protozoa Sarcocystis neurona.

Staphylococcus aureus

A common bacterium that can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and sepsis.

C. difficile

A bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon, leading to diarrhea.

Antipyretic

A medication that reduces fever.

Emetic

A substance that causes vomiting.

Antipruritic

A medication that relieves itching.

Anticonvulsant

A drug that prevents seizures.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus in the body due to infection.

Sarcocystis neurona

The protozoan responsible for EPM in horses.

Spirochetes

A type of bacteria characterized by a spiral shape, some of which are pathogenic.

Anticoagulant

A substance that prevents blood clotting.

Intradermal

Referring to injections or tests that occur within the layers of the skin.

Antibiotic

A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria or kills bacteria.

Lyme disease

An infectious disease caused by Borrelia bacteria transmitted through tick bites.

Distemper

A viral disease affecting dogs that can cause severe neurological symptoms.

Rabies

A viral infection that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), primarily affecting the lungs.

Calicivirus

A virus that causes upper respiratory infections in cats.

Chlamydia

A bacterial infection in cats that can lead to conjunctivitis and respiratory illness.

Protozoan

Single-celled organisms, some of which can be pathogenic to animals.

Meningitis

An inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, causing illness.

Cautery

A method of burning tissue to stop bleeding or to remove abnormal tissue.

Antitussive

A medication that suppresses coughing.

Incision

A surgical cut made in the skin or other body tissues.

Excise

To remove a tissue or organ surgically.

Biopsy

The removal and examination of tissue to diagnose disease.

Antimetabolites

Drugs that interfere with the metabolism of cells, often used in cancer treatment.

Vaccination

A method of stimulating the immune system to protect against disease.