Of a long duration: a chronic illness persists for weeks, months, or even for the life of animal. See also acute.

Irreversible renal disease caused by damage to a large part of both kidneys. Two thirds of both kidneys must be damaged before the animal loses the ability to concentrate and dilute urine.

A chronic condition of the eye in which blood vessels grow across the cornea (the clear surface of the eye). The cornea looks hazy and sometimes reddened; it may eventually take on a dark pigment. This condition is also called pannus.

A disease or condition that has been present for several weeks or longer.

A liver disease caused by the replacement of damaged cells with connective tissue; severe scarring can eventually cause liver failure.

A common tube-like structure through which feces, urine, and reproductive fluids/eggs pass in birds, turtles, and other lower vertebrates.

Protein components in the blood which help it to clot. Clotting is a complex mechanism. In addition to platelets, clot formation is the result of a long chain of chemical reactions carried out by individual molecules called 'clotting factors.' Each factor

Central nervous system. Includes the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves leading from them.

The process of clotting.

A condition affecting the blood's ability to form a clot.

A one-celled parasite in the category of protozoa. In dogs and cats, coccidia are generally parasites of the intestinal tract. See article: Coccidia in Dogs and Cats.

also known s Valley Fever. When inhaled the fungus Coccidioides immitis can cause a simple cough that progresses to lymph node involvement, pneumonia and even spread throughout the body.

An infection by one of a number of one celled organisms that infect the intestine leading to diarrhea that may be watery or even bloody. More common in young animals.

A common medical condition in older dogs that results from abnormal brain function, causing certain behavior changes such as disorientation, housebreaking problems, and changes in sleeping patterns and interactions with others.

Having a body temperature that is not regulated internally, but varies with the environmental temperature. Turtles, lizards, and snakes are cold-blooded.

Intense abdominal pain.

An infection or inflammation of the colon.

A part of the digestive tract, specifically the part of large intestine that extends from the cecum to the rectum.

The antibody-rich first milk produced immediately before and after giving birth.

Being in a state of unconsciousness.