Organism that generally will cause disease

Causing disease.

A specialist in veterinary medicine who examines the changes in body tissues and organs caused by disease.

A generalized scaling disease, with hair loss, and sometimes with the formation of heavy crusts. Involvement of a nail bed leads to loss of the nail.

A radiograph technique used for prediction of the likelihood of the development of hip dysplasia. Procedure is done under anesthesia and the radiographs are reviewed for their distraction index which is a predictor of the likelihood of developing canine

A deep infection around the anus which often results in ulcers and deep draining tracts, most commonly seen in German Shepherds.

A very thin tissue surrounding the heart. Abnormal fluid can accumulate between the heart and the pericardial membrane causing pericardial effusion.

The area between the anus and the genital organs.

The abdominal or belly cavity.

The membrane lining the wall of the abdominal cavity.

Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen.

A measure of acidity or alkalinity. Values range from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline or basic). A pH value of 7.0 is neutral (neither acidic or alkaline).

Toes.

Back of the mouth. Throat.

Chemical secreted by an animal and sensed by another animal of the same species, and often causing behavior change in that animal.

Chronic craving to eat unnatural (non-food) articles such as rocks or dirt.

The accumulation of pigment in the cornea in response to inflammation.

Skin lesions on the ears.

A hormone secreting (endocrine) gland at the base of the brain; it regulates growth as well as regulating the proper functioning of many other glands and processes.

A substance which is given that has no therapeutic value; often called a 'dummy pill' or 'sugar pill.' Often given to half of the patients in a trial of a new drug, to better assess the effectiveness of the new drug.