Basic Veterinary Knowledge

Canine - dog

Feline - cat

DVM - doctor of veterinary medicine

Diagnosis - what kind of illness or condition an animal has

Prognosis - expected outcome of illness or condition

Symptoms - signs noticed by owner (the owner notices that the cat is lethargic and hiding)

Clinical signs - observable signs of illness (the cat has a 104° F fever which is observed by the vet)

Treatment - what is done to address illness or condition

Medication - drug given to treat or manage illness or condition

Prescription (Rx) - medication prescribed by the vet

Contraindication - something that makes a prescription unsafe or not needed

Acute - sudden or short term

Chronic - long-lasting or recurring

Idiopathic - cause is unknown

Dosage - amount of medicine given

Vaccine - help protect against specific diseases

Booster - given in addition to vaccine to maintain protection

Spay - surgical sterilization of a female animal (removal of ovaries and uterus)

Neuter - surgical sterilization of a male animal (removal of testicles)

Intact - not spayed or neutered

Preventative - products or treatments used to prevent diseases or parasites

Otitis - inflammation of ear

Dermatitis - inflammation of skin

Gastroenteritis - inflammation of stomach and intestines

UTI - urinary tract infection

URI - upper respiratory infection

Allergies - reaction to environmental, food, or other allergens

Arthritis - inflammation of joints

Diabetes - disease involving abnormal blood sugar regulation

Heartworm disease - parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitos

Fleas/ticks - common external parasites

Worms/intestinal parasites - internal parasites such as hookworms or roundworms

Deworming - prevents external parasites

CBC - complete blood count

Chem panel - blood test evaluating kidneys and liver function

Urinalysis - examination of urine

Fecal - stool test, used to check for parasites

X-ray/radiograph - imaging used to look at bones and internal structures

Ultrasound - imaging using sound waves

Biopsy - taking a tissue sample for examination

Cytology - examining cells under microscope

Bloodwork - term for laboratory blood tests

PO - by mouth

NPO - nothing by mouth

IV - intravenous; into vein

IM - intramuscular; into muscle

SQ/S.C. - subcutaneous; under skin

SID - once daily

BID - twice daily

TID - three times daily

QID - four times daily

PRN - as needed

Refill - additional supply of an existing prescription

Triage - determine how urgent a patient needs care

Emergency - potentially life-threatening situation requiring medical attention

Vitals - basic measurements such as heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and sometimes blood pressure

TPR - temperature, pulse, respiration

Lethargic - unusual tired or lacking energy

Anorexia - loss of appetite

Emesis - vomiting

Diarrhea - loose stool

Dehydration - not enough fluid in body

Ambulatory - able to walk

Non-ambulatory - unable to walk

Inappetence - reduced appetite

Regurgitation - bringing food/liquid back up without typical vomiting

Pyrexia - fever

Pruritus - itching

Edema - swelling caused by fluid backup

Lameness - abnormal walking/limping

Thoracic - chest

Abdominal - abdomen/stomach

Cranial/anterior - toward head

Caudal/posterior - toward tail

Dorsal - toward back

Ventral - toward belly

Medial - toward middle

Lateral - toward side

Bilateral - both sides

Unilateral - one side