Vet & Veterinary Terms
A
abacterial
Indicates that something has no presence of bacteria in it
abattoir
A location in which animals are slaughtered; a slaughter house.
abaxial
Abaxial is a term that refers to something in particular being found away from the center of the body or the body part in question.
abdomen
The abdomen is the part of the body between the chest and the hips. It contains some of the most vital organs of them all, including the stomach and intestines, the bladder, the liver, and other vital organs. Abdominal is an adjective term that refers to something pertaining to the abdomen
abdominal breathing
Abdominal breathing is an irregular type of breathing that uses the muscles in the wall of the abdomen to move air into the lungs and pump it back out. Abdominal breathing is not normal and is normally the indicator of some type of respiratory condition or infection.
abdominal cavity
The space in the abdomen that holds the major digestive organs in an animal. Normally referred to as the area between the diaphragm and the pelvis. Also referred to as the peritoneal cavity.
abdominal effusion
Refers to a condition in which fluid collects around the vital organs located inside the abdomen. This is normally the side effect of a more serious condition, like liver disease or heart disease. Certain bacterial infections can also cause the build-up of such fluid, as can certain types of cancer. An animal experiencing abdominal effusion will likely have an extremely bloated midsection.
abdominal wall
The abdominal wall is a group of bones, muscles, and vital tissues that make up the wall around the organs in the abdomen. Inside these bones, muscles, and tissues is a cavity, and the cavity is what houses the vital organs found inside the abdomen. The abdominal wall is vital for protection of these organs.
abdominocentesis
Abdominocentesis is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the abdomen of the animal to remove fluid. In most cases, abdominocentesis is used to make a diagnosis of some sort in a sick animal.
abduct
Abduct is the opposite of adduct. It refers to the movement of something away from the animal's midsection
abiotrophy (n.)
Abiotrophy refers to the loss of use of an organ in particular. In most cases, this is a progressive condition and is inheritable. Abiotrophy may occur in an organ, a tissue, or even the nervous system.
ablactate
To take off of the teat or to stop from nursing; to wean an animal off of its mother's milk.
ablate
To ablate is to complete take something out of something else. Ablation (n.) refers to removal of a particular body part by cutting it out.
abomasopexy
The surgical procedure of attaching the fourth stomach (the abomasums) compartment to the abdominal wall.
abomasums
In animals, the fourth of several stomach compartments. Also referred to as the true or real stomach.
aboral
Used to describe a direction; away from or outside an animal's mouth.
abort
To end the pregnancy early; in animals, usually used to describe similar circumstances as a ‘miscarriage' in humans. An abortion (n.) is used to describe the ending of a pregnancy whether purposeful or accidental.
abortive
Fails to work properly; unfruitful. In veterinary medicine, used to describe an animal that is barren or unable to successfully reproduce.
abrasion
An injury that has occurred in which one or more of the topmost layers of the skin are scraped away. Also known as a scrape
abscess
A localized infection, usually a lesion filled with pus. Can be large or small in size.
absolute age
In veterinary medicine, refers to an animal's actual age in calendar years rather than the age pertaining to their development. ex: absolute age (actual age) vs. age in ‘dog years.
absorption
In veterinary medicine, the joining of already digested nutrients with the circulatory system. Absorption is how an animal's body makes use of nutrients from food.
absorption rate
The rate at which digested nutrients enters the circulatory system.
abundance
The number of animals per unit area. ex: five horses per square acre.
acariasis
Refers to the condition of being overrun with parasites, such as ticks or mites.
acaricide
Any substance known to kill certain parasites, including ticks and mites. May be found in the form of a paste, a liquid, or a powder.
acarid
Refers to any tick or mite belonging to the order Acarina or the family Acaridae.
acarine
A mite or a tick.
acclimate
To become accustomed to new actions, surroundings, environment, or companions. Ex: a dog may need to acclimate himself to a new home upon adoption from a shelter.
acclimatization
The act of helping an animal to adjust to something or some place foreign to them.
accommodation
A process, that of adjusting the eye to see objects at a variety of distances.
accredited herd
Accredited herd is a term that is used to refer to dairy cattle that has been tested and received the certification necessary to be declared free of tuberculosis as described by the United States Department of Agriculture. To be considered part of the accredited herd, two tests given must be passed.
accuracy of selection
Accuracy of selection refers to the difference between what an animal's breeding value was estimated to be and its actual breeding value.
acetabulum
The socket that holds the head of the femur, found in the pelvis of a given animal.
acetic acid
Chemically described as CH3COOH. In the veterinary context, acetic acid is used in the fermentation of lactic acid and a necessary component of taste in certain dairy products.
acetic bacteria
The bacteria that is involved with turning alcohol into acetic acid.
acetic fermentation
Acetic fermentation is the process of turning ethyl alcohol into acetic acid with the use of fermenting bacteria.
acetone
Chemically described as CH3COCH3, created from the fermentation of sugar and starch. Acetone can be found in the urine of a diabetic animal, the breath of certain lactating animals, and in blood. When found in lactating animals, acetone indicates a deficiency, usually of carbohydrates resulting from an inability to properly oxidize fat in feed.
acetonemia
Acetonemia is a disease. It involves the presence of large amounts of acetone in the blood. This condition is also referred to as: milk fever, acidosis, acetenouria, pregnancy disease (in ewes).
achalasia
Refers to difficulty or lack of ability to release the smooth muscle in the digestive system, found in the gastrointestinal tract.
achondroplasia
Refers to the changes undergone by the skeletal system during development of the fetus; has the ability to be inherited genetically.
acid
Any substance or solution with a total pH of less than 7; a term used to described low pH or an increase in the number of hydrogen ions in a given substance.
acid-fast
Resists the effects of acids; has less of a chance of losing color due to acidic properties
acidified silage
Refers to silage that is preserved with the help of certain types of acid, including sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, some combination of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid, or commercial phosphoric acid.
acidity
Refers to the density of hydrogen ions in a given solution.
acidophilus
A term used to describe an organism that tends to thrive in an acidic environment, such as soil rich in acid.
acidosis
A condition of the body in which pH levels are abnormally low.
acoustic
Refers to the sound properties of a given item.
acquired character
The changes that the character of a particular animal has gone through, whether the be physiological or otherwise. May be due to the environment that they live in. Acquired character cannot be passed on and it is not genetic in nature.
acquired immunity
Refers to the immunity that can be built up to a disease or illness that an animal would normally fall victim to. There are several reasons why this is, and it may be an active immunity (antibodies build up through having the disease) or passive immunity (e.g., immunity passed on through mother's milk or an animal's serum).
acre per animal unit month
A measurement; used to figure the number of acres that are needed for one animal to be able to forage easily for one month when used properly.
acromegaly
An issue caused by excessive growth hormones in which the extremities become larger in size.
acromion
The outer edge of the scapula; this is where the collar bone is attached to the animal's body.
acrosome
Refers to the small cap that covers the head of sperm.
active agent
Also referred to as active ingredient; a term used to describe the ingredient in a chemical that poses a toxic threat to a particular animal.
active immunity
Refers to immunity that is built up through exposure to the disease or pathogen.
actual analysis
The compiling of materials using a chemical analysis generated in a laboratory rather than a generalized analysis.
actual use
Term used to refer to the amount of area used by certain animals, e.g. livestock or hunting game; expressed in animal units or animal unit months.
acuity
The property of being sharp; in veterinary medicine, usually refers to the quality of an animal's vision.
acute
Term used to imply that a situation or condition is more severe than usual; also used to refer to a disease having run a short course or come on suddenly.
acute renal failure (arf)
The failure of the kidneys; loss of function of the kidneys. ARF usually comes on suddenly.
acute toxicity
The potential that something, usually a medicine or substance, has to injure or cause illness in an animal when given as one dose or as multiple doses in the span of one day or less than one day.
adaptability
The potential that an animal or organism has to change their bodies or lifestyles to suit their surroundings or environment.
adaptation
Term used to refer to the activities or processes that an animal goes to make changes necessary for it to survive in its current environment, whether temporarily or otherwise.
additives (n.)
Items or ingredients added to feed as part of the manufacturing process; may also be used for preservation. Additives also work to increase nutritional value of certain foods, increase the taste appeal, and make it more attractive. There are legalities surrounding the amounts and types of additives allowed in feed.
addled egg
The result of the mixing of an egg's yolk with the egg white. May also be referred to as a rotten egg, and cannot be eaten.
adduction
To move inward or toward the midsection of the animal.
adenocarcinoma
The result of a malignant growth of the tissue of the epithelial gland.
adenohypophysis
The rearmost pituitary gland; the only area of the pituitary gland that is functional.
adherence
A property in which one item has the ability to stick or adhere to another.
adhesion
Fibers that bond items together that would not normally be combined.
adipocyte
A cell of fat
adipose
Refers to the quality of being fat or full of fat.
adjusted weaning weight (adjusted 205-day weight)
The weight of a young animal at the time of weaning; this weight is adjusted to the standard for 205 days old as well as the age of the dam itself.
adjusted yearling weight (adjusted 365-day weight)
The weight of a yearling after adjustments for the age of the dam and adjusted to a standard 365 days old. b) changes in the numbers of animals, the seasons, classes or types of animals.
ad lib
As much as needed or wanted; short form of the word ad libitum
ad lib feeding
Term used to refer to a type of feeding in which there are no restrictions placed on the amount of food to be given at any time.
ad libitum
Often shortened to ad lib; term used to refer to the amount of feed ingested when made completely available without limitation or restriction.
adnexa
The structures of any given organ.
adrenal cortex
The outermost part of the adrenal gland
adrenalectomy
The process of surgically extracting one or both of the adrenal glands.
adrenal gland
The gland that produces the hormone adrenaline and others; helps to regulate the metabolism, electrolytes, and even sexual function; also helps to regulate the way the body responds to injury, trauma, etc. The adrenal gland is found near the kidney. Also referred to as the suprarenal gland.
adrenaline
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands, also often referred to as epinephrine. Adrenaline is used in the body's response to traumatic situations or emergencies.
adrenal medulla
The innermost part of the adrenal gland.
adrenopathy
Term used to refer to a type of disease that affects any portion of the adrenal glands.
adventitious sounds
Sounds of the respiratory system; e.g. bronchi, rales
aerobe
Term used to refer to certain types of bacteria or organisms that only have the ability to survive in an environment of free oxygen.
aerogun
Term used to refer to bacteria with the ability to produce certain types of gas.
aerophobia
The act of swallowing air.
afebrile
A state, usually of illness, in which the subject is free of fever.
afferent
Carrying toward; usually refers to nerves in the nervous system that carry certain impulses.
aflatoxin
A substance created by a certain fungus, Aspergillus flavus, a carcinogen; known to contaminate corn, some nuts, and certain types of grain.
afterbirth
Found attached to the fetus while en utero; expelled upon birth of the fetus. Term used to refer to the placenta.
agalactia
A condition in which an animal fails to nurse after birth of the offspring due to lack of secretion of milk; condition often found in female horses.
agalactic mare
A female horse that is not properly lactating to feed her foal.
age class
Term used to describe the grouping of animals by age.
aged horse
Term used to describe a horse over the age of eight years old; often used to refer to a horse over the age of 12 years old.
agglutination
The grouping together of certain cells, molecules, or particles into one area or clump.
agglutinins
a) antibodies that are created as an animal's natural response to an infection or the presence of strange micro organisms; these antibodies cause the organisms to clump together. b) any substance or antibody that causes certain organisms to clump together; usually causes the clumping of the organism that caused it to be produced in the first place.
agonal breathing
The breathing that occurs when an animal is near death or suffering from severe pain.
agonist
Any substance that causes a certain effect by attaching itself to the right receptor.
agonistic
In veterinary terms, an animal whose behavior indicates offensive/defensive activities.
agoraphobia
The term for a fear of wide open spaces; in veterinary terms, refers to animals who are kept stabled or in stalls for an extended period of time
agostadero
Term used mostly in the southwestern United States; refers to a pasture that is used only during the summer months.
agouti
A type of coat pattern in which the fur is darker toward the root and becomes gradually lighter near the tip.
agranulocyte
Any cell that does not have the normal granular structures in the cytoplasm.
agrarian
Anything pertaining to or relating to the agriculture industry.
agriculture
A broad term used to indicate the industry involved with producing animals and plants for use by humans.
aids
Used in the equine industry; indicates the methods by with a rider communicates with his horse.
air sacs
An avian term; refers to pockets in the respiratory system of birds that hold air and allow them the ability to fly and the buoyancy necessary to do so.
albidus
Term that indicates something being white in color.
albino
An animal who lacks normal coloring; lack of melanin. Albino animals usually have a pure white coat and pink or red eyes.
albumin
A type of protein that can be dissolved in water; found in milk, egg white, certain muscle, blood, and some urine.
albuminaria
A condition in which albumin is found in urine.
albus
A term indicating that something is white in color. See albidus.
alcohol
The term used to refer to a family of organic chemical compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in any form.
alcohol-alizarin test
A test performed in which alcohol and alizarin are combined with milk. If the solution turns reddish, that indicates the presence of normal milk. If the solution turns yellowish or brown in color, that is the indication of sour or rotten milk. A solution that turns purple or violent in color indicates the presence of mastitis milk.
alcohol test
A test performed in which milk and ethyl alcohol are combined to detect milk with abnormal properties. While normal milk should not cling to the tube, abnormal milk tends to cling to the glass.
aleukia
A condition in which leukocytes (white blood cells) are not found in the blood of an animal.
alfalfa
A crop; often eaten by horses as a vital source of fiber and protein. Alfalfa has compound leaves made up of three small leaves.
alimentary tract
Term refers to the system in the body that deals with the processing of food and nutrients in between the mouth and the anus; may also be referred to as the GI tract, the intestinal tract, or the gastrointestinal tract.
alkaline
A property of having a high pH or a low amount of hydrogen ions.
allantois
The layer of the placenta closest to the inside.
allergen
Any substance with the potential to produce an allergic reaction in an animal prone to such a reaction.
allergy
A condition in which the body reacts to a particular item or product; may also be referred to as hypersensitivity.
allogamy
The process of cross-fertilization
allopolyploid
Term used to refer to a polyploidy that contains chromosomes that are different from one another, as in from more than two species.
allosomes
Term used to refer to a type of chromosome that is different in one reason or another, either by a discrepancy in behavior, shape, or size.
allotment
In the agricultural industry, term used to refer to an area that is designated for use by a certain number of cows or sheep or for use by both types of animals.
alopecia
A condition of hair loss resulting in either complete baldness or patches of baldness.
alpaca
a) a type of llama found in Peru and adjacent South American countries b) the product of the alpaca; a type of wool that can be used to create goods.
alter
To change by neutering or spaying. May also be referred to as cutting, gelding, or emasculating.
alteration of generations
A theory of reproduction in which certain characteristics are only found in every other generation.
alternate grazing
The process of rotating pastures in a manner which allows the forage to grow back before it is grazed once more. May also be referred to as rotational grazing.
alternate host
An organism in which a parasite or organism inhabits for only a certain part of its life cycle.
amasesis
A term used to refer to an animal without the ability to chew.
ambidextrous
Refers to a living thing that can use both hands equally well, as in not solely considered to be right-handed or left-handed.
ambient
Around or surrounding.
amble
A type of gait that is slower or broken up in cadence; usually lateral.
ambler
Term used to refer to a type of horse who paces; usually refers to sporting horses.
amblotic
Term used to refer to a substance, organism, or disease that has the potential to cause abortion in animals.
amblyopia
A condition in which loss of sight occurs without being attributed to any particular disease or medical condition.
amino acids
Organic substances that aid in the creation of proteins; also the end product of the decomposition of certain proteins.
amitosis
A condition of the body that occurs when an excess amount of amino acids is taken in.
ammonia
A chemical compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen; NH3. Often added to feed to make it more nutritious for livestock; usually lacks color but has a strong odor.
amnesia
A condition in which loss of memory occurs.
amniocentesis
The process of obtaining abdominal fluid by puncturing the abdomen with a needle and going through the walls of the uterus to obtain it.
amnion
The membrane in the uterus that is closest to the fetus; also referred to as the amniotic sac.
amniotic cavity
Term refers to the area in the uterus that surrounds the embryo.
amniotic fluid
The fluid that nourishes the fetus; found in the amniotic sac.
amoeba
An organism with no shape or form; moves with the help of a false foot.
amotus
A term that refers to the hind toe in certain species of birds; the amotus is not one of the digits that touches the ground when the bird is standing.
amphibian
A term used to refer to an animal, usually a reptile, that starts out breathing with the help of gills and develops into an animal capable of breathing through lungs like a mammal.
amphigean
A term used to refer to an animal that exists in both the Old World and the New World.
amphoteric
The property of having the ability to react as an acid, base, or casein.
ampule
A term used to describe a measurement unit for packaging.
amputation
The process of removing all or part of a body part; usually refers to a limb (arm or leg) and is done for medical reasons.
amylase
Term used to refer to a certain enzyme that the pancreas creates to help in the digestion of certain starches.
amylopsin
An enzyme created by the pancreas to break sugars down into starch.
anabiosis
The act of reviving a living thing after it has died or appeared to have died.
anabolism
Building up or building together; the building of cells in the body. The term opposite to catabolism.
anadipsia
A condition referring to excessive thirst.
anaerobe
Term used to refer to an organism that can live without the aid of free oxygen; usually refers to certain types of bacteria.
anaerobic
a) living in an environment lacking free oxygen b) pertaining to an organism with the ability to live in an environment lacking free oxygen.
anaerobic bacteria
Bacteria that does not require the presence of free oxygen to live, survive, and reproduce; may even be hindered by the presence of free oxygen in their environment.
anal
Term used to refer to something involving the last portion of the digestive process and the last abdominal segment, the anus.
analgesia
Without the presence of pain.
analgesic
Any medication that is designed to aid in relieving pain without being a sedative.
anal glands
Tissue located inside the anal sac that aids in the marking of territory in animals, for defense, or for sexual behavior.
analogous
In veterinary medicine, term used to refer to structures that are anatomically different but perform functions that are somewhat the same in nature.
anal sacculitis
A condition inw which the pouches inside the anus become inflamed.
anaphylaxis
Term used to refer to an animal's response to a certain substance, usually foreign; may include swelling, airway blockage, etc; may also be referred to as anaphylactic shock.
anaplasia
Any change in the way that cells are arranged and structured in relation to one another.
anastomosis
A surgical procedure in which two hollow tubes or structures are surgically connected.
anatomic position
Term used to refer to an animal in its regular standing position.
anatomy
The study of the structure of the body.
ancestor
Any individual from which a person or animal is descended.
ancestor merit
Used in agriculture; a term used to refer to the estimate of the female offspring of any given bill based on the bull's sire and grandsire on its maternal side.
androgenesis
The theory of the development of any offspring that lacks maternal chromosomes.
androgynized cow
Term used to refer to a cow that has undergone testosterone therapy; usually adorned with a bell-shaped marker.
anechoic
A term used to refer to an ultrasonic wave that is transmitted into tissue without it being reflected back.
anemia
A condition of the blood in which normal red blood cell counts or hemoglobin are lacking.
anesthesia
The absence of feeling; a medication administered to relieve the sensation of feeling in surgery or other medical procedures.
anesthetic
Any substance known to eliminate feeling; usually applied during a painful medical procedure.
anestrous
The period in which an animal is not inclined to mate or breed; any time in which a female animal does not cycle.
aneurysm
The enlargement of an artery; usually shaped like a bubble or balloon.
angiocardogram
A study of the vessels and heart by way of radiograph; uses dyes and other contrasting materials.
angiogram
The study of blood vessels after dye has been injected into them to create a visual contrast.
angiopathy
A disease of the blood vessels.
angioplasty
The process of surgically fixing or repairing damaged blood vessels.
angiorrhaphy
The suturing of a blood vessel.
angora
Term used to refer to longer fur, usually found on cats or rabbits.
anhydrosis
Term used to refer to a state in an animal in which it cannot sweat.
animal kingdom
The entire group of animals in the world; consists of twelve branches of animals.
animal rights
The term used to refer to the idea that animals are entitled to similar rights as human beings and should not be eaten or abused. Also known as animal welfa
animal therapy
The use of animals as therapy for human beings; may be used to relieve loneliness or provide comfort and soothing.
animal type
Any combination of qualities or characteristics in an animal that makes it appropriate for a certain kind of use.
animal welfare
Similar to animal rights; the idea that animals should be treated with care and kindness.
anisocoria
A medical condition in which the pupils of both eyes are differently sized.
anisocytosis
A condition in which cells are unequal.
ankylosis
A condition in which a joint is unable to move, usually due to some type of illness or medical procedure.
anogenital distance
The distance between the anus and the reproductive organs
anomaly
Anything deviating from what is usually regarded to be normal.
anophthalmos
Lacking the development of one or two eyes.
anoplasty
A surgical procedure in which the anus is repaired.
anorectal
Term used to refer to the opening of the large intestine.
anorexia
In veterinary terms, used to refer to the loss of appetite or lack of eating.
anoxia
Refers to the lack of oxygen.
antagonism
Term used to refer to what happens when chemical is exposed to another chemical.
antagonist
Term used to refer to any substance that is used to stop something from happening by binding to a particular receptor that is responsible for that
antebrachium
The area of the front legs that is found between the elbow and the carpal joints.
antefebrile
Term used to refer to the time before a fever sets in.
antepartumtion of the body
Term used to refer to the time before a fever sets in.
anterior
In veterinary terms, used to refer to the front of the body.
anterior chamber
Veterinary term used to indicate the space behind the cornea of the eye and in front of the iris; contains liquid.
anterior pituitary
Term used to refer to the front of the pituitary gland; can be found at the bottom of the brain and is responsible for the secretion of certain hormones that deal with growth and other bodily functions.
anterior presentation
Refers to the normal position of an animal during birth, with the feet and head set to come out first.
anthelmintic
Usually used in veterinary medicine to refer to certain drugs that are designed to combat intestinal worms in animals.
antiarrhythmic
Used to refer to any drug that alters irregularities in an animal's heartbeat.
antibacterial
Used to refer to any drug or medical substance that has the ability to slow down or stop the growth of bacteria and other such organisms.
antibiosis
A relationship between two organisms in which one of the organisms causes harm to or kills the other.
antibiotic
Term used to refer to any substance that is used to slow down the growth of bacteria or stop it altogether.
antibody
A protein in the body that is designed to fight disease; antibodies are brought on by the presence of certain antigens in the system.
anticarcinogen
Refers to any substance that slows down or stops the activities of any substance known to be a carcinogen (known to cause cancer).
anticoagulant
Term used to refer to any drug that is used to slow down or stop the clotting of blood for medical purposes.
anticonvulsant
Term used to refer to any substance or drug that stops seizures.
antidiarrheal
Term used to refer to any drug or substance that is known to prevent bowel movements or stop diarrhea.
antidiuresis
A condition in which urine is produced and eliminated on a slower basis.
antidote
Any substance used to combat the effects of certain poisons.
antiemetic
Term used to refer to any drug or substance that is used to control vomiting.
antigen
Any substance or item that the body of an animal would regard as strange or unwanted; a foreign disease or virus in the body (toxin, etc.)
antihypertensive
Term used to refer to any drug that lowers an animal's blood pressure.
antimutagen
Term used to refer to any substance that slows down or prevents the activity of a mutagen.
antineoplastic agent
Term used to refer to a drug that is used to treat a neoplasm.
antioxidant
Term used to describe certain feeds; refers to c or anything else that contains compounds that prevent the process of oxidization.
antipruritic agent
Any drug that is used to control itching and resultant inflammation.
antipyretic
Term used to describe a drug that is used to reduce a feverish temperature.
antisepsis
Preventing certain infections by destroying or excluding certain organisms that may be known to contribute to them.
antiseptic
Any drug that kills organisms in an animal's tissue or prevents the growth of more.
antiserum
Any serum that is known to contain the antibodies that contain the antigen necessary to combat a certain disease; usually contains antibodies extracted from an animal that has been infected with the disease and built up an immunity
antispasmodic
Any drug that is known to prevent spasms of any muscles in the body.
antitoxin
A type of antiserum that contains antibodies against certain poisons.
antitussive
A medication designed to reduce or eliminate a cough.
antivivisectionist
Any person who is against or works against surgery on live animals for the purpose of education or veterinary research.
antler
An object protruding from the skull on certain animals; deciduous and ossified in nature. May be found on deer, elk, etc.
antrum
The empty space inside any hollow organ or bodily structure.
anuria
The lack of production of urine in an animal's body.
anus
The end of the gastrointestinal tract; the opening at the end of the tract.
aorta
The name of the main artery that starts in the left ventricle of an animal's four chamber heart.
aortic semilunar valve
The fold of membranes between the left ventricle and the aorta.
apathy
Lack of caring; indifference.
aperture
Any type of opening
apex
The very tip or peak of something
aphakia
The absence of a lens, as in an eye.
aphtha
A small sac inside the udder, between the toes, or inside the mouth of certain animals; may have to do with a foot-and-mouth disease or affliction.
Apia matter
The third layer of the meninges
aplasia
When a certain organ or vital tissue fails to properly or fully develop.
apnea
Failure to breathe properly, as in while sleeping; lack of breathing.
appendage
Something that is attached to something else, usually something larger; e.g. a leg or an arm.
appendicular skeleton
The bones that make up the extremities on the body, including the shoulders, etc.
appositional
Placing something side-by-side with something else.
approach
In veterinary terms, the term used to refer to the procedure by which a certain part will be dissected and/or exposed.
apterium
Term used to refer to an area on a bird that lacks feathers.
apterous
Lacking wings.
aqueous humor
Term used to refer to the liquid that gives nourishment to the structures inside the rear segment of an animal's eye.
arachnid
A group of bugs known for having four pairs of legs and either one or two bodily segments; spiders are the most famous of all arachnids.
arachnoid
Term used to refer to something being constructed of tiny hairs; a cobweb is arachnoid in nature.
arch
A bend or curve
archetype
A biological term that refers to plants or animals from which certain qualities have been inherited.
arena
The place where something happens; the area in which certain actions take place.
ark
A term usually used in the context of care for rabbits; a little structure with a ridged roof that may be used to house rabbits.
arrector pilus
The muscle that is attached to the hair follicle that causes the hair to stand up straight; the plural form of this word is arrector pili.
arteriectomy
The removal of part of an artery by surgical procedure.
arterioles
The smaller veins or arteries that extend out from larger arteries.
arterioplasty
A surgical procedure in which damage to an artery is rectified or an artery is repaired.
arteriosclerosis
A medical condition in which arteries become thicker and harder in texture.
arteriotomy
A medical procedure in which an artery is cut or sliced open.
artery
A large blood vessel that transports blood out of the heart.
arthralgia
Term used to refer to a medical condition that causes pain in the joints.
arthritis
A medical condition in which the joints become inflamed and causes a great deal of pain.
arthrocentesis
A medical procedure in which the joints are punctured in order to remove fluid.
arthrodesis
A surgical procedure in which vertebrae in the spine or a joint is surgically fused.
arthrodynia
A term used to refer to pain in the joints
arthrogram
A recording of the examination of a joint after dye has been injected to detect contrasts for some medical purpose.
arthrography
The process of performing an examination on a joint after dye has been injected into the joint.
arthrology
The study of joints, joint pain, and anything related to the joints.
arthropathy
A disease affecting a joint in the body.
arthropod
An animal belonging to the phylum Arthropoda; characterized by an external skeleton and jointed legs. May include certain insects and crustaceans.
arthroscope
A medical instrument used to look at the inside of a joint.
arthroscopy
The endoscopic method of examining the inside of a joint.
arthroslecrosis
A medical condition by stiffening or hardening of the joints.
artificial hormone
A hormone that is created to be used in place of hormones that an animal's body would have produced naturally otherwise.
artificial insemination
A method of breeding in which semen is collected and stored to be inserted into the vagina without actual breeding activity; often shortened to AI in the veterinary world.
artificially acquired immunity
Term used to refer to immunity that comes about because a vaccine was administered.
artiodactyla
A zoological term used to refer to a certain order of mammals; includes animals with hooves and an even number of toes.
ascending
Moving upward
ascites
The collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
ascorbic acid
Vitamin C; C6F1806; known to prevent scurvy and is found in fruits and vegetables.
asepsis
A medical state in which infection is not present
aseptic technique
Term used to refer to cautions used in order to prevent a wound from becoming infected or contaminated.
asper
Term used to indicate raspy or rough.
asphyxia
A medical condition resulting in a lack of oxygen, usually resulting in death.
asphyxiation
A lack of breathing due to a purposeful cut off of air; may also be referred to as suffocation.
aspirate
a) inhaling b) getting out fluid or gas by the act of sucking.
assay
A type of test that is used to count the number of organisms in a particular sample.
assess
To make a decision about or evaluate.
assessment
A test or evaluation.
assimilation
The absorption of something
asthenia
Lack of strength in the body; weakness; inability to perform excessive amounts of work.
asthma
An allergic disorder that results in difficulty breathing.
astomous
Without a mouth
astringent
Any drug that is known to cause tissues to contract, such as tannic acid, zinc oxide, or zinc sulfate.
astrocyte
A type of shell that is shaped like a star
astrocytoma
A tumor of the head that is made up of astrocyte (star-shaped) cells.
asymmetrical
Out of proportion or unbalanced; may also be referred to as unsymmetrical.
asymptomatic
Term used to refer to a condition of having a disease or affliction but not displaying symptoms of it.
asystole
A term that indicates a lack of contraction; used to refer to a lack of activity in the heart.
atavism
The re-emergence of a disease or a certain characteristic after it has skipped one or more generations.
ataxia
A medical condition in which an animal is unable to control the movements of their muscles; may result in collapse or stumbling.
atelactasis
A medical condition in which the alveoli fail to fully expand or collapse due to a lack of air.
atherosclerosis
A medical condition in which the arteries become small and hard as the result of excessive fatty deposits.
atlas
The number one cervical vertebrae.
atomization
The process in which a liquid is turned into a very fine spray.
atonic
Lacking control of the muscles.
atopy
A form of hypersensitivity or allergy in certain animals.
atraumatic
Term used to refer to something that results from a method of treatment that caused no trauma or damage.
atresia
The absence of a body opening that would normally be there; the absence of a certain organ that is tubular in structure.
atrioventricular
The atrium and the ventricle.
atrioventricular node
A mass of tissue that can be found inside the right atrium; transmits electrical impulses to certain areas of the heart.
atrioventricular valve
The fold of membranes found among the front and rear chambers of the heart; may be described as the left and right atrioventricular valve
atrium
The superior chamber in an animal's heart.
atrophy
The wasting away of certain tissues; a medical condition that occurs when tissues fail to grow.
attaint
A wound that can be found on the leg of a horse; an attaint can be attributed to damage caused by a horse's own hooves.
attenuate
To wear down or reduce; to dilute or make thinner.
attenuation
The term used to refer to the decrease in intensity of an ultrasound beam as it travels through bodily tissue.
atypical
Deviating from the normal; not typical.
aubin
A term used to describe a strange gait in a horse; it is slower than normal but may resemble a gallop.
auditory
Anything pertaining to what can be heard; hearing.
auditory ossifies
Term used to refer to a group of three small bones in the heart that transmit certain vibrations and allow for hearing.
aural
Referring to the ear.
aural hematoma
A pooling or mass filled with blood that can be found in the outer ear.
auscultation
The use of a stethoscope (usually) in listening to the sounds of an animal's body.
autoclave
A device used to sterilize instruments with the use of pressurized steam.
autogenous vaccine
A vaccine that is made from the bacteria of the patient it is being used to treat.
autoimmune disease
Any disease in which an animal's body creates antibodies that are used against itself.
autoimmunity
A medical condition in which an animal becomes allergic to its own tissues; may result in a severe illness.
autolysis
The process in which meat ‘rots' after slaughtering or fruits or vegetables become soft; also referred to as self-digestion.
autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that contains the nerves that control involuntary movement.
autosome
A chromosome not involved in determining sex
autotrophic
A term used to indicate an organism that creates their own source of food.
autumn lag
Term used to refer to the period of autumn in which certain animals cease reproduction.
available energy
Term used to refer to energy that can be metabolized.
average daily gain (adg)
The process of calculating an animal's weight after weaning by dividing the number of pounds gained by the number of days they have been on actual feed.
avian
Term used to indicate something that involves birds.
aviary
A place where birds are kept.
avicide
Any substance that is used to kill birds.
aviculture
The study of caring for birds; the act of raising birds.
avirulent
A term used to indicate that something lacks the ability to create a disease.
avitaminosis
A disease that occurs as the result of a deficiency of a certain type of vitamin.
avoidance
A condition in which certain organisms can purposely prolong the amount of time they are dormant as the result of some type of environmental stress.
avulsion
The tearing or breaking away of a part.
axenic
A term used to indicate that something is free of germs.
axial feather
The feather in the middle of a bird's wing that is used to separate the primary feathers and the secondary feathers.
axial skeleton
Certain bones of an animal’s skeleton including: skull, vertebral column, ribs, sternum.
axillary
The area under the arm; the arm pit.
axis
The second cervical vertebrae.
axon
The part of the neuron that is extended out from the cell and works to conduct electrical impulses.
axonal
Term used to indicate something related to the axon.
azoospermia
The condition of having no sperm present in the semen.
azotemia
The condition of having urea and other nitrogenous elements in an animal's blood.
azoturia
The condition of having excessive amounts of urea or other nitrogenous compounds in the urine.
B
babcock test
A test developed by S.M. Babcock in the late 1800s; tests the fat in milk by spinning it in a specialized manner with sulfuric acid.
bacillus
A term used to describe a type of bacteria that is shaped like a rod.
backcross method
The breeding of females to a male of the same breed as the female’s parents.
bacteremia
A disease that occurs when bacteria present in the blood.
bactericide
Any substance known to kill bacteria.
bacteriolysis
The dissolution of bacteria on the animal’s body, whether inside or outside the body.
bacteriophage
An agent that is known to destroy bacteria; it is only active in the presence of bacteria that is susceptible to damage that it can cause.
bacteriostat
Any compound that is known to slow down or kill the growth of particular types of bacteria.
bacterium
The singular form of the word bacteria; a tiny, microscopic organism only made up of one cell.
bacteriuria
A medical condition that indicates the presence of bacteria in an animal’s urine.
bad mouth
A term used to refer to a dental condition in animals in which the bottom teeth and the top teeth do not come together.
balanced ratio
The amount of feed given to livestock or animals; designed to promote healthy development in animals.
bald face
A white marking on the face of an animal that covers both of the eyes and both of the nostrils.
baldy
A term used to refer to an animal that lacks hair or feathers on top or lacks horns.
balk
A term used to indicate what happens when an animal stops movement suddenly.
ball and socket joint
A type of joint that allows for free movement in all directions. May also be referred to as enarthrosis.
balling gun
A piece of equipment used in giving pills to livestock or applying magnets.
ballottement
A technique used to diagnose pregnancy or determine the contents of an animal’s abdomen; involves tapping the wall of the abdomen to bounce a structure against the other wall.
banding
a) In equine terms, a method of styling a mane into sections with rubber bands b) Marking an animal (e.g. a bird) by fastening a band to a part of their body. c) A method used to castrate animals in which a rubber band is placed on the scrotum, causing the testicles to atrophy.
barbering
A disorder in which animals bite the fur of subordinate animals as a method of establishing dominance.
bareback
a) The method of riding a horse with no saddle. b) In poultry terms, used to denote a chicken that does not have feathers across its back
barium sulfate
Commonly referred to simply as barium, may be used as a material for contrast injections.
barn book
A book of records that includes livestock data, including special dates, weights, and other data.
barny
A slang term often used to describe dairy products that have a flavor inconsistent with what is normally preferred.
barnyard
The land that is connected to the barn; may be fenced in to enclose animals.
bar pad
Also called bar shoe; a type of horse shoe that helps to keep a horse from slipping.
barred
Used to describe a feather pattern in chickens; alternating stripes of dark and light feathers.
barren
Refers to an animal not being able to reproduce
barren mare
Term used to refer to a female horse that is intact but has yet to become pregnant after multiple breeding seasons.
barrier sustained
Term used to indict certain animals that are kept under highly sterilized conditions in a unit of barriers.
barrow
a) Term used to indicate a male pig that was neutered shortly after birth. b) A term used to describe the action of only partly shearing a sheep.
basal feed
Any feed that is given to a horse mainly for the energy it can give and not usually for other nutritional benefits.
basal metabolism
The minimum amount of energy require to perform vital bodily functions and cellular activity while at complete rest otherwise.
base narrow
Term used to indicate a horse that is standing with their feet close together.
base wide
Term used to indicate a horse that is standing with their feet far apart from one another, in a wide stance.
battery
A row of cages used to raise chickens with no hen present, usually for market purposes like meat and eggs.
bay roan
Term used to describe a horse whose coat is colored brown with specks or spots of gray in it.
bearing rein
The rein that presses up on the horse’s neck to get them to turn in a particular way.
beget
To reproduce or procreate; to father.
bellwether
A term use to indicate a castrate male sheep that is used as a flock leader; they usually wear a bell around their neck.
benign
Not being able to cause harm; the opposite of malignant.
biceps
Any muscle that has two heads.
bicolor
The quality of having two colors
bicornuate
The quality of having two horns.
bidentate
The quality of having two teeth.
bifurcation
The division of something one time.
bilateral
Having two sides
bilateral symmetry
The quality of being the same on both of two sides.
bile
The fluid created by the liver that helps food in the stomach to be digested.
bilirubin
A certain pigment that is produced when hemoglobin is destroyed.
billy goat
A slang term use to describe a young male goat; the correct term for this is buck.
binomial
The term used to describe the two Latin names given to all plants and animals.
bioaccumulation
The idea that substances collect in an animal’s system and although they may remain immune to their effects there are other species that can be negatively affected by its presence in their environment.
biohazard
Anything that can cause harm to life.
biologist
Anybody who studies life and living things.
biophages
Certain living things that sustain themselves through other life, like a pathogen or parasite.
biopsy
The process of removing tissue to examine it, usually for medical reasons.
biotechnology
The branch of technology that deals with applying biology and engineering to the study of plants and animals.
biotic potential
The most that an animal will ever be able to reproduce when given all opportunity.
bipolar
Having two completely different ends
birth weight
The weight of a newborn animal after it has been in the world for a full 24 hours.
bishoping
Term named after a horse dealer known for reshaping a horse’s teeth in order to make it look younger and bring a higher profit.
bitch
A female dog that has not been spayed.
bitting
Teaching a horse to obey the bit before they are ready to be used for riding.
black roan
A horse with a black and white coat.
blacksmith
A professional who creates items out of iron and certain metals.
blepharectomy
The process of removing a portion or the entire eyelid through surgical methods.
blepharitis
A condition in which an animal’s eyelid becomes inflamed.
blepharoplasty
The repair of an eyelid through surgery.
blepharoptosis
A condition in which the upper eyelid is droopy
blepharorrhaphy
The suturing of the eyelids together.
blepharospasm
A condition of an animal involving involuntary spasms of the eyelid.
blepharotomy
A cut or incision in an animal’s eyelid
blinders
Small pieces of leather that are hooked to a bridal that can prevent a horse from seeing anything that is not in front of them.
blindness
The inability to see anything
blind quarter
A part of an udder that does not properly lactate or has some type of blockage in the teat.
blind teat
A teat that fails to properly produce milk; may not be connected to the gland properly.
blissom
The term used for a female sheep that is in heat.
blistering
The process of putting something irritation onto a blemish in order to get it to go away.
blocky foot
A horse with a deeper slop to his hoof than would normally be noticeable.
blood horse
Any horse that has been purely bred.
bloodline
The term referring to the various lines of breeding within the family.
blood pressure
The amount of pressure applied by the blood on the arteries.
bloody milk
Milk that is secreted from an animal with damaged gland tissues or broken blood vessels.
bloom
A term used to denote a shiny coat on a horse
blow-out
The process of walking to loosen up or warm up muscles to prevent injury; to warm up.
bluebag
A type of mastitis that is gangrenous in nature ; it causes a bluish tint to the udder.
blue-gray
A horse that has gray hairs and a gray coat.
blue roan
Term used to refer to a horse with a black coat with white specks; the white specks give the appearance of a blue coat.
bobtail
The term used for an animal with a short tail or whose tail has been docked.
bog spavin
A condition in which a horse’s joints become distended due to extra fluid on the inside of the hock.
bone
The skeleton that frames the body of an animal or person.
bone meal
The product that is crated when bones are ground and dried.
bone plate
A piece of metal that is used to repair bones when they have become fractured.
bone screw
The screws that are used to press fragments together with bone plates in order to fix a fracture.
bone spavin
A bump in a horse’s hock that can cause lameness.
boning
The process of making the leg appear thicker by causing the hair to stand out on the thigh; used to make beef appear more appealing for meat.
borborygmus
The movement of gas in the gut that causes noise.
bos indicus
The term used to indicate a type of humped cattle found in some countries.
bos taurus
The scientific term used to denote a type of cattle that is found in certain areas.
bougie
A type of tool used to insert into a bodily crevice for medical reasons, such as dilation or to administer a type of medication.
bovine
A term used to describe anything related to cattle.
bovine somatotropin (bst)
A hormone that helps to stimulate lactation in cows; it is produced naturally.
bowman’s capsule
The name for the part of the kidney that has the glamorous.
boxlock
Any joint on an instrument with rings that can move about freely.
box stall
A type of stall in which a horse can move about with ease.
brace
a) An instrument designed to provide some type of support. b) Two of something; a pair
brace bandage
A type of bandage worn by horses that is designed to provide support
brachial
Referring to the arm
brachial plexus
A group of nerves found in an animal’s front limbs.
brachium
The last part of the front legs between the shoulder and the elbow.
brachycephalic
An animal with a wide head, short in stature.
brachydont
A tooth that is permanently rooted
bradford system
A system used to spin wool in the United States.
bradycardia
A particularly slow beating heart.
bradypnea
A particularly slow breathing rate.
braining
A method of slaughtering fowl in which a knife is pushed through the roof of the mouth to pierce the medulla oblongata and cause death.
brain stem
The part of the brain that contains the medulla oblongata and other vital portions of the brain.
branch
A stem that comes out from a larger stem.
brand book
A record of brands that are used to identify types of cattle.
brawn
Muscle, usually in the arm or leg
bray
The term used to describe the way that a donkey or mule cries; the term used to describe the noise that they make.
breastbone
An animal’s sternum
breast collar
A strap that goes across the chest of a horse; may also be referred to as a breast band.
breathy
A term used to describe any animal that can pass through a fence
bred heifer
A pregnant cow; a young cow who has yet to give birth but is with calf.
breech
a) A direction for a calf to be facing that may cause birth problems b) The rear end of an animal, between the bottom of the tail and the top of the hocks. c) A type of wool that comes from a sheep’s back legs.
breeching
The portion of the harness that goes around a horse’s bottom.
breed association
A type of organization whose goal is to hold dear the pure blood lines of a particular breed, usually of livestock or poultry. This group is the one to set and maintain the requirements to be associated.
breed character
The details of the appearance of an animal, as in horn shape, ear shape, etc.
breeder tom
A male turkey whose only goal is to breed.
breeding chute
Also referred to as the breeding rack or breeding crate; a confinement build to assist a female animal in the act of mating.
breeding class
Certain animals whose sole purpose in life is to aid in breeding.
breeding herd
The name for a portion of any flock that is kept around just for the purpose of building the herd through mating and birthing.
breeding hobbles
A type of weight that is applied to a mare’s foot to prevent her from kicking the stallion who is trying to mate with her.
breeding house
a) A group of large pens that are used to breed certain types of poultry. b) Any building that is used solely for the purpose of breeding.
breeding season
The time of year when certain animals are inclined to mate and have young.
breeding unsoundness
Some type of imperfection that prevents an animal from being fit to breed.
breeding value
The maximum potential that an animal has as far as its potential profit in terms of meat, eggs, milk, or other goods useful to people; may also refer to their ability to mate and birth and nurse young.
breedy
Cows that are exceptionally fit for breeding; I.e. very feminine cows and masculine bulls.
bridle
a) A part of a horse harness that holds the bit and reins together. b) A rope with hooks at both ends.
bridle wise
A term used to refer to a horse that is well trained with using the bridle.
bright bay
A horse that is known for a glossy coat, usually lighter in color.
brindle
A type of animal who has a type of tawny or brown coat, usually streaked or spotted.
bring forth
To give birth to or bring up
brisket
A group of tissues and fat that cover a certain part of the chest and between the front legs of an animal.
bristle
Something with stiff hairs or hair like pieces on a plant or animal.
broad-spectrum
a) A type of antibiotic that kills both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.b) A type of pesticide that is known to kill a whole variety of insects but also tends to affect other wildlife as well.
broiler
The term used to refer to a particularly young chicken usually between 8 and 12 weeks of age.
broken crest
A condition of a horse hanging his head; a heavier neck that may bend down or fall to one side.
broken ear
A gap in the cartilage in the ear of a rabbit; called lop ear to some. A broken ear likely prevents the rabbit from holding its ear properly.
broken wind
A respiratory disease that affects older horses; lungs cells are dilated and it is an inheritable condition.
bronc
A horse who has not been broken; a wild horse.
bronchodilator
Anything that is used to expand the bronchial tubes.
bronchopneumonia
A condition of the lungs and bronchi in which they become inflamed and congested.
bronchoscope
A tool used to look into the trachea and bronchi.
bronchospasm
A contraction of the bronchi, usually involuntary.
broncoscopy
The act of examining the trachea and bronchi with a bronchoscope.
brooder house
An enclose that is designed for young to be raised with no mother.
brood hen
A hen whose sole purpose is to sit atop eggs and let them incubate to raise the young.
broodiness
A term used to refer to a hen that is content with always sitting on eggs and nothing else; may also be used to refer to other animals that are anxious to mate and reproduce and raise young.
brooding
The act of raising chicks in a safe environment.
broody
A term used to describe an animal that gives good signs of being fit for breeding.
broody coop
A structure used to house a hen who is brooding in order to make her more inclined to produce eggs.
brow band
The section of the bridle that is designed to fasten around the horse’s forehead area.
brown-ticked gray
Used to describe a horse’s coat; a gray horse with tiny brown spots scattered across it.
bruxism
The tendency for an animal to grit its teeth
buccal surface
The part of the tooth that faces the inside of the cheek.
buck
a) A male rabbit b) A male goat c)The term used for wool taken from a ram d)An action performed by a horse; with the head held down the back legs are kicked up as a sort of low leap.
bucked knees
Term used to refer to an animal whose normal stance is knees bent out.
buckeyed
Term used to describe a horse with an eye disorder in which the cornea appears to stick out further beyond the eyelids than normal. These horses normally have vision problems.
buck herd
Any group of rams
bucking chute
A stall that is used for ease in saddling broncos.
buckling
Term used to refer to a male goat between one and two years old.
buckskin
a) A horse with a gray brown coat b)The skin taken from a male deer c)Any horse with a brown coat and black mane and tail
bulk bin
The term usually reserved for the large vat that feed is stored in. It is stored through a funnel from a truck or mill and is fed into troughs through another type of auger.
bulling
The action of showing signs that they are ready to mate.
bullock
A bull that has been neutered.
bull pen
A wooden pen that is used to hold bulls.
bunker silo
A tall structure used to store silage.
bunodont
Term used to refer to those animals with teeth that are more round than sharp
buphthalmos
A condition characterized by an abnormally large eye.
burro
A term for a donkey or ass
burry
Term used to describe wool that has a great deal of seeds, burrs, or other debris in it.
bursa
A pouch of fluid that eases the pain of movement in certain areas.
bursitis
The condition that results when bursa become inflamed.
buster
A person who trains horses.
butcher run
A random group of rabbits who are bought for the purpose of slaughter.
butler
The term used to describe a female cow that is in heat for a long time but has yet to become pregnant.
butterfat
The fat that can be found in milk
buttermilk horse
A horse with a red to blue colored coat.
by-pass protein
Any protein that is treated so as to not be changed in the ruminant stomach of animal.
by-product
Any product that is derived from but less in value than another product from the same source.
C
circadian rhythym
A physiological 24-hour cycle
D
Dacrocystitis
When the lacrimal sac becomes inflamed and tears, causing draining.
dacryoadenitis
A condition in which the lacrimal gland becomes inflamed.
dacryocystectomy
The process of removing the lacrimal sac by surgery
dacryocystotomy
The process of cutting into the lacrimal sac.
dairy herd improvement association (dhia)
A group that tests cows for milk and fat and keeps records of feeding.
dairy type
Any cow that is used for the production of milk products, not meat or reproduction.
daisy cutter
Any horse that barely touches the ground while trotting; prone to stumbling.
dam
Any female animal that has given birth.
dapple
A circular pattern of fur with an off color.
data
A collection of information that has been collected as pertaining to an experiment.
daughter
The female offspring of any living thing.
daughter cell
A cell that is formed when another cell divides
deacon
A calf marked for veal meat before it is a week old.
dead mouth
Term used to describe a horse who does not respond to directing by rein and bit as far as the mouth is concerned.
dead weight
The weight of meat after the animal has been slaughtered.
deaf ear
The folds of skin below the ear in a fowl bird.
deafness
Loss of hearing in whole or in part.
death loss
The number of animals lost as the result of death by accident, disease, or otherwise.
debarking
A procedure in which vocal cords are trimmed to make a dog’s bark less harsh.
debeaker
A tool used to cut the beak off of a chicken or turkey for the safety of other birds.
debeaking
The process of removing part of the beak to prevent damage to other chickens, cannibalism, and other undesirable behavior.
debilitated
Losing of strength; becoming weaker.
debridement
Removing foreign tissue or matter; taking out damaged or contaminated tissue.
decalcification
Removing calcium from an animal’s bones.
decay
Decomposing of matter with the help of fungus and bacteria; matter is completely oxidized.
deciduous teeth
Temporary teeth that go away as maturity approaches
decubital ulcer
A bedsore; loss of tissue or skin due to pressure being applied for too long.
deep
Below the surface of something, as in position
defecation
The exiting of excrement from the body; bowel movements.
defect
a) Any blemish that impairs an animal’s value b) Any deviation from what is normally regarded as far as breed is concerned.
deferred grazing
The process of keeping livestock out of a pasture until there is enough flora to sustain grazing.
defibrillation
Using electrical shock to bring the heart beat back into normal limits.
deficiency
Less than what is normally required or needed of something
deflea
To remove the fleas off of an animal’s coat
deformity
Anything that looks different from what is considered to be normal and healthy for that species
degrease
The process of removing the oil from fiber
degree of grazing
Term refers to how closely grazed a pasture is; ungrazed, lightly grazed, etc.
dehiscence
Any opening in a wound from surgery
dehorn
To remove the horns or horn buds through heat, chemical, or other methods
dehorning clippers
Clippers used to remove the horns of certain animals; like large scissors
dehydrate
To take the moisture out of something
dehydration
A medical condition in which the body has lost fluid or water in excessive amounts
delactation
The condition of not being able to give milk
deleterious
Has the potential to cause harm to something
delivery
When the fetus leaves the body
delousing
The removal of lice from the skin with chemicals
demiluster
A type of wool that is somewhat lustrous but does not merit a classification of lustrous wool
demyelination
When myelin is lost or destroyed
dendrites
Small roots on neurons that receive impulses and send them the right way
density
a) Mass per volume b) The number of animals in a given area
dental calculus
A mineral deposit on the teeth; commonly referred to as tartar
dental caries
Cavities; decay of teeth
dental cup
A dip in the incisor teeth of horses; dark in color
dental formula
A guide to the number of teeth and kinds of teeth found in an animal’s mouth
dental pad
Term used in cattle terms; refers to the hard ridge in a cattle’s mouth that replaces upper teeth
dental plaque
A soft deposit from food left on the teeth; easily removed
denticulate
Small dentate teeth
dentin
The tissue that holds the tooth in place in the mouth
dentition
Refers to the pattern of teeth; the way teeth are arranged
deoxyribonucleic acid (dna)
Nucleic acid that carries genetic information
depauperatum
Stunted; limited in growth
depot fat
Fat that has collected in the body
depraved appetite
A type of appetite or craving not normal in an animal
dermal
Related to or of the skin
dermatitis
A condition in which the skin becomes inflamed
dermatologist
A professional who deals with studying the skin
dermatology
The study of skin
dermatomycosis
A growth on the skin due to a type of fungus
dermatophyte
A type of fungus that can be found on the skin
dermatosis
A condition of the skin
dermis
The skin; also referred to as the corium
descending
Moving downward or toward the end
determinant growth
Growth that will only reach a certain point once a certain age has been reached
deutectomy
Removal of the yolk sack from chicks that were just born
dewclaw
The first digit on dogs and cats; has no function
dewlap
The pendulum of skin hanging from an animal’s throat
deworm
To get rid of parasitic worms in an animal
dialysis
A procedure used to get waste out of the blood when the kidneys are unable to function
diaphragm
The muscle in the abdomen that aids in breathing
diarrhea
Fecal material that is wary in consistency
diastole
The dilation of the ventricles of the heart
dickey
A donkey or bird; slang word
diecious
Animals that possess both male and female traits
diestrus
The time between estrous cycles
dietary fiber
Material from plants that resists the action of enzymes in the digestive system
differentiation
The process of developing different organisms over evolution
diffusion
Movement of material from an area highly concentrated to an area where there is a lower concentration
digestibility
How easily a substance can be turned into an appropriate digestible form
digestible energy
The amount of energy that can be obtained from the digestible portion of any amount of food
digestible nutrient
The amount of a certain nutrient that can be digested into the body
digestible protein
The amount of protein that can be absorbed into an animal’s system
digestive tract
The whole system involved in digestion from mouth to anus
digitigrade
The act of walking on the toes
dilate
To make something wider
dilation
The widening of something
diluent
Any material that is designed to dilute another ingredient
dilute
To make something weaker or more liquid by mixing it with something else
diluted color
Term used to refer to the colors of feather in chickens; indicates a softer color, like tan
diluted feed
Feed with a great deal of fiber
diluters
A fluid that is used to make more semen and increase its volume
diopter
A measurement unit; refers to the refractivity in a lens
diplopia
Having double-sightedness
dipping vat
A tub filled with a chemical; animals are dipped into it to be disinfected or rid of parasites
disbud
To remove the horns of young animals by heat or chemicals
disc fenestration
Removing a disc in the spine by cutting it and scraping out the contents
discharge
Any substance that oozed from a wound or an opening in the body
discriminate breeder
An animal that is picky when it comes to breeding partners
disease control
A process that helps to control the effect of organisms that are known to cause disease or contribute to diseased conditions
disease resistant
Refers to animals or plants that can hold up against certain diseases
disinfect
To take the organisms that may cause disease out of an object
disinfectant
Anything that is designed to kill those organisms that are known to cause disease
dismount
To get down; to get off of
disorientation
A medical condition; has to do with confusion
disposition
An animal’s attitude or temperament
disqualification
In terms of animal husbandry, term refers to some defect that prevents an animal from registering with the breed or participating in a show
dissect
To cut something out in order to examine it
distal
The furthest distance from the middle or the top of a body
distal convoluted tubules
The tubes that can be found between the Hene and the tubules around it
distal spots
Spots or circles that are found on the coronet band
distention
The process of making something larger by dilating or stretching it
distichia
Two sets of eyelashes; often results in an injury to the lining of the eye
distichiasis
A condition in which there are two rows of lashes in place of one
distributor
A type of device that spreads milk out in order to let it cool
diuresis
The increase in the amount of urine produced
diuretic
Anything that causes excessive urination
diverticulitis
An inflammation of the diverticulum
diverticulum
The sac in the wall of a tube shaped organ
dizygotic twins
Term for twins that develop from two separately fertilized ovaries
dobbin
The term used to denote a gentle horse; a term of affection
docile
Indicates that an animal has a gentle nature
dock
To cut an animal’s tail short; also used to indicate the space where the tail was
docking
The removal of the tail or part of the tail; can also refer to a decrease in value
doddie
A cow that has been polled
doe
A female goat, rabbit, or deer that has not been spayed
dogie
A term used for a calf with no mother; slang term
dogtrot
A slow trot; gentle
dolichocephalic
A long head, usually very narrow like a greyhound
domesticate
To take a wild animal and put it under human control over an extended period of time; happens over generations
dominance
An animal’s tendency to overpower another, in character or in activity
dominant gene
The opposite of a recessive gene
donation
The act of creating or producing sound in something
donkey
An animal; also called an ass
dorsal
Refers to something being toward the back, as in a dorsal fin
dorsal plane
A line that divides the body in half, front to back (imaginary line)
dorsal recumbence
The act of an animal lying on its back
dorsoventral projection
A beam of ray that goes from the back to the stomach
dosage
The amount of medication to be administered
dosage interval
The length of time that should pass before a drug is administered again
dose
The amount of medicine to be given, measured in grams or units
dose syringe
A syringe that is used to forcefully give medicine to animals
double cross
To cross two hybrids of living thing
double mating
The process of mating livestock twice during estrous to ensure that they become pregnant; also called double cover
double reins
Two reins attached to two bits
double rigged saddle
A saddle with two cinches
downer
Term used to indicate an animal that is unable to stand due to illness
downy
Covered with weak, soft hairs or feathers
draft animal
An animal used to plow or pull loads; a working animal
draining pen
An enclosure with a sloped bottom in which animals are placed after they are dipped; fluids drip off of the animals and into the vat of chemicals
drake
An adult male duck
drawing blood
The removal of blood from the body for diagnostic purposes
dressage
A type of horseback riding in which the rider guides the animal rather than using hands and feet to do so
dressed weight
The weight of the carcass of an animal or a slaughtered bird
dressing comb
A type of comb used to beautify an animal’s coat for show; also referred to as a currycomb
dressing loss
The amount of weight lost in an animal before and after it is slaughtered
dressing percent
The number that is calculated when the carcass weight is divided by the weight of the live animal and multiplied by one hundred.
dress out
The process of removing feathers, skin, or fur and trimming a carcass
dress weight
The weight of a dressed animal versus its weight while live
drinking cup
A device used for watering an animal; the opening has a floater in it that releases water when moved so the animal can drink at will.
drive-ins
Term used for cattle that are herded into the market versus those who get there by cattle transport or other methods
drop band
A herd of female goats or sheep that are separated for the purpose of having young
droppings
The feces of an animal
dropsy
Swelling throughout an animal’s entire body
drug residue
Anything left over from a drug in the body of an animal
dry band
A band of sheep where there are no lambs
dry cow
A cow that no longer gives milk
drying off
The process of causing an animal to stop lactating when they are not producing much milk
dry lot
An enclosure used to keep livestock to prepare for slaughter, including fattening
dry matter
The amount of matter in a certain type of feed without the moisture
dry period
The period of time before giving birth that an animal stops lactating
dry picked
The dressing of a bird without scalding; bird may have been bled already
dry rendered
What is left of animal tissue after it has been steamed until the water evaporated; a method of removing fat
dual purpose
Animals that are used for meat and milk
dual use range
A range that has enough forage so that two or more kinds of livestock can use the area separately or together
duckling
A young duck with down feathers
ductless glands
Glands in the body that secrete directly into the blood or lymph, like the endocrine glands
ducts
A passage in the body with walls
ductus deferens
The duct found at the end of the vas deferens
dummy
a) Term used for a horse who is not bright, due to injury or otherwise b) A dummy built in the shape of a female, may be covered in a hide and used to cause excitement in male animals
dumpy
a) Refers to an animal that is not feeling up to par but not infected with anything serious b) A short, stumpy looking animal
dun
An animal’s color; term refers to animals who are black in color or have a stripe over the shoulders of a dark color
dung
The feces of an animal; excrement or manure
dunging pattern
Refers to an animal’s tendency to drop waste in certain areas
dung locks
Locks of wool on a sheep that have been crusted over with dung
duodenum
The first part of the small intestine; can be found between the pylorus and the jejunum
dura mater
The outermost part of the meninges
dust
A type of fungicide or insecticide that is applied dry, as in regular dust
dusting
The manner in which chinchillas bathe; rolling in dust
dwarf
An animal who has not grown to its full potential, due to disease, deficiency, or otherwise
dyschezia
A condition characterized by difficulty with normal defectation
dyscrasia
A condition of the blood in which blood cells are abnormal
dysecdysis
Shedding differently or abnormally
dysentery
A condition characterized by intestinal trouble and inflammation
dysfunction
Not working like usual
dyspepsia
Difficulty with normal digestion
dysphagia
Condition in which eating and/or swallowing is difficult
dysplasia
A condition in which growth and development are not up to normal standards
dyspnea
Having a hard time breathing; breathing takes great pains
dysrhythmia
A condition in which normal heart rhythms are not apparent; also referred to as arrhythmia
dystocia
Difficulty giving birth
dystrophy
A condition in which a muscle or body part grows defectively
dysuria
Having a hard time urinating; pain while urinating
E
ear covert
The small feathers that cover the ear of birds
eared
The term used to refer to an animal that has been held back by its ears
ear implant
A pellet that contains medication or growth regulator that is placed underneath an animal’s skin or in its ear
early speed
A horse with the ability to gain maximum speed with just a few strides
ear notcher
A type of punch used to identify animals by marking their ears
ear notching
The act of cutting a pattern into an animal’s ear for identification purposes
ear tag
A type of tag that is fastened to an animal’s ear for identification purposes
ear tagging
The placement of an ID tag on an animal’s ear
easy keeper
An animal that does not need much food or care to survive
ecchymosis
A patch of bleeding beneath the skin; a bruise
ecdysis
Molting or shedding
echocardiography
A procedure that is used to evaluate the health and structures of the heart
eclosion
The act of hatching out of an egg
e. coli
The abbreviated term for a certain bacteria, called Escherichia coli
ecraseur
An instrument that is used to sever a diseased part by tightening a chain around it and tightening it
ectoderm
The outermost of the three layers of an embryo; this eventually turns into the hair, skin, and nerves
ectopic pregnancy
An ovum that is fertilized outside of the uterus
ectothermic
The act of pulling heat from outside of the body, like lizards and snakes do
ectropion
The turning out of the eyelid
eczema
A disease of the skin that is characterized by the development of small papules, itching, and sometimes alopecia; itching and crust formation may be involved.
edema
The collection of fluid in the tissue
efferent
To carry something away
effete
The eventual inability of an animal to give birth to young
efficacy
The extent to which a drug is effective
effluent
Discharge
effusion
The escape of fluid or blood into tissues or body spaces or cavities
egestion
Waste material that is excreted from the digestive system
egg
The body of reproduction that is produced by the ovum
egg cell
The female sex cell or germ cell
egg tooth
The structure found on the upper part of the embryo chick’s beak; this is used for breaking the shell at the time of hatching
ejaculate
The excretion of semen from the reproductive system of the male
elastin
A type of protein that is found in cartilage and other types of tissue
elastration
A type of castration in which rubber bands are used to cut off the spermatic cord and cause it to waste away.
elastrator
The device that is used in bloodless castration; small bands
elatus
Another word for tail
electrical stimulation
A way of collecting semen by sending an electric current into a male animal’s rectum
electric prod
A device that is powered by batteries and used to shock animals slightly in order to aid in driving them
electrocardiogram
A record of the activity of the myocardium
electrocardiograph
A tool that is used to create a record of the electrical activity in the myocardium
electro ejaculation
A way of collecting semen for insemination in which electrical currents are applied to cause ejaculation
electro ejaculator
A probe with a power source that is used to promote ejaculation without copulation
electroencephalogram
Any record of the electrical activity that takes place in the brain
electroencephalograph
A type of instrument used to make a record of the brain’s electrical activity
electrolute
Any substance that breaks into ions when placed into a solution
electromyogram
A record of the strength of contractions of the muscles that are caused by electrical stimulation
elevation
The lifting of something
emaciation
Wasting away or being excessively weak or thin
emasculate
The castration of an animal
emasculatome
A type of tool that is used to sever the spermatic cord without breaking the skin
emasculator
A tool that is used to castrate an animal by crushing the spermatic cord
embolism
The blockage of a vessel by an object, like air or fat
embolus
The collection of something in a blood vessel
embryo
The zygote that is developed after conception
embryology
The science of dealing with embryo
embryonic
Something having to do with an embryo or the development of an embryo
embryonic vesicle
The embryo sac; the sac that holds the embryo as it develops
embryo sac
The sac the holds the embryo after conception
embryotomy
The cutting of the fetus to allow it to be removed from the uterus
embryo transfer
The transfer of an embryo from one female to another for any purpose
emesis
The act of vomiting
emetic
Any substance that creates the urge to vomit
emission
Discharge
emphysema
A disease of the lungs that is created by the enlargement or change in the alveola and alveolar walls
emulsification
The breaking down of large globs of fat into smaller parts
emulsify
To suspend one liquid into another without it mixing
enamel
The white substance over the crown of teeth
encapsulation
To enclose something in a type of sheath or capsule
encephalomalacia
The softening of the brain, a medical condition
encephalomyelitis
A medical condition in which the brain and spine are inflamed
encephalopathy
A disease of the brain of any type
enclosure
Any type of pen or enclosure for the confinement of animals
encrustation
Any crusting or coating on the body
encyst
To become enclosed in a type of bladder or cyst
endectocide
Any type of agent that is used to kill parasites
endemic
The presence of a disease within a given area
endocarditis
An inflammation of the lining of the heart
endocardium
The inside layer of the heart
endocrine
Having to do with the internal system
endocrinologist
A person who specializes in the study of the hormone system
endocrinology
The study of the hormone system
endocrinopathy
A disease involving the part of the system that produces hormones
endoctracheal intubation
The administration of a tube passed through the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and trachea
endoderm
The innermost layer of an embryo
endogenous
Something that has its origin inside the body
endolymph
A type of fluid that fills the cochlear canal
endometrium
The innermost layer of the uterus
endoparasite
Any of many parasites that live inside the host’s body