Terminology
What does the term “polydipsia” mean, and which underlying conditions commonly cause it in small animals?
1) Increased thirst
2)
a. Diabetes Mellitus
b. Cushing's Disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
What is “anisocoria”, and what body part is involved?
Anisocoria is a condition defined by unequal pupil sizes.
The eyes/pupils
What term means inflammation of the intestines?
Enteritis
What does “polyphagia” mean?
Excessive hunger/eating
What does Hepatomegaly refer to/mean?
An enlarged liver.
What term describes the surgical fixation of the stomach to prevent torsion, commonly performed in large-breed dogs?
Gastropexy
What does “iatrogenic” mean?
Relating to illness caused by medical examination or treatment.
What is “dyspnea”, and how is it different from tachypnea?
Dyspnea - Difficulty breathing/Increased respiratory effort
Tachypnea - elevated respiratory rate
What term refers to pain in muscles?
Myalgia
What does “regurgitation” mean?
Passive expulsion of food from the esophagus
What term refers to difficulty swallowing?
Dysphagia
What is the difference between edema, pleural effusion, and ascites?
Edema is increased fluid within the interestitial space/tissues
Pleural effusion is a build up of fluid in the pleural cavity
Ascites is a build up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
What term refers to black, tarry feces due to digested blood?
Melena
What is “paresis”?
A condition of muscular weakness or partial, incomplete paralysis, often resulting from nerve damage or neurological disorders
What does the term Hyperkalemia mean?
Increased levels of Potassium in the blood outside of the normal range
What term refers to inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney?
Pyelonephritis
What is the term meaning “surgical removal of the kidney"
What does the term “pancytopenia” mean?
A condition where a patient has a low count of all three major blood cell types: red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (leukopenia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia).
What does Neutrophilia mean?
Increased number of neutrophils in the blood stream.
What term means presence of pus in the thoracic cavity?
Pyothorax
What term describes vomiting blood?
Hematemesis
Differentiate between “tachycardia” and “arrhythmia.”
Tachycardia: Elevated heart rate
Arrhythmia: Abnormal heart beat rhythm
What is the term for excessive bleeding?
Hemorrhage
What is “jaundice” (icterus), and what causes it?
A condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells
What term refers to collapse of a lung?
Atelectasis