Abbreviations
General Care
Anatomy
Common Illnesses
100

This abbreviation refers to "ultrasound."

What is U/S?

100

This routine surgery removes the reproductive organs of a female animal.

What is spaying?

100

A cat uses these long, sensitive hairs to help it sense the world around it.

What are whiskers?

100

Dogs and cats are often treated for these small, wingless insects that cause itching and skin irritation.

What are fleas?

200

This abbreviation refers to a condition where a pet has a low number of platelets.

What is ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura)?

200

What is the recommended frequency for annual vaccinations in healthy adult dogs?

What is once a year?

200

This organ is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood in both humans and animals.

What is the liver?

200

This virus, preventable by vaccine, causes coughing, lethargy, and fever in dogs.

What is canine parvovirus?

300

This abbreviation is used for the term ā€œoral administrationā€ of medication.

What is PO?

300

This essential nutrient is critical for a catā€™s diet and must be obtained from animal sources.

What is taurine?

300

These animals have a rumen to help them digest fibrous plants.

What are cows (or ruminants)?

300

This is the most common health issue seen in older dogs.

What is arthritis?

400

This abbreviation is commonly used for the assessment of kidney function in animals.

What is BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

400

This is the type of diet that is generally recommended for overweight pets to help them lose weight.

What is a low-calorie or weight management diet?

400

This part of a horseā€™s leg is known as the ā€œknee,ā€ but itā€™s actually an ankle.

What is the hock?

400

This is the common term for gastric dilatation-volvulus, which is a life-threatening condition in dogs.

What is bloat?