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Anterior
Positioned in front of another body part, or towards the head of the animal. Opposite of posterior.
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Anthelmintic
Medication which kills certain types of intestinal worms; dewormer.
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Antibiotics
Usually refers to drugs administered to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria; not effective against viral infections.
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Antibody
Small disease-fighting proteins produced by certain types of cells called 'B cells'. The proteins are made in response to 'foreign' particles such as bacteria or viruses. These antibodies bind with certain proteins (antigens) on foreign particles like bac
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Antibody Titer
A measurement of the amount of antibodies in the blood. The test to measure antibodies is usually performed by making a number of dilutions of the blood and then measuring at what dilution there is sufficient antibody to react in the test. For example, a
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Anticoagulants
Drugs that reduce the ability of the blood to clot. Also called blood thinners.
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Anticoagulation
Stopping the blood clotting process.
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Anticonvulsant
A drug used to prevent or decrease the severity of seizures or convulsions.
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Antidiuretic Hormone
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that reduces the production of urine in the kidneys and therefore prevents water loss; also called 'vasopressin.'
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Antiemetic
An agent that decreases or stops vomiting.
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Antifreeze Toxicity
The ingestion of ethylene glycol (antifreeze) is very damaging to the kidneys leading to kidney failure and possibly death.
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Antifungal
A drug used in the treatment of a disease caused by a fungus.
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Antigen
A foreign protein on surfaces of such particles as bacteria and viruses that stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies.
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Antiprotozoal
An agent that kills protozoa, which are one-celled organisms such as Giardia.
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Antipruritic
Relieves itching.
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Antipyretic
A substance used to relieve fever.
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Antiseptic
A substance which inhibits the growth of bacteria, but does not kill them. used on living tissues, such a mild disinfectant can prevent sepsis (infection).
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Antispasmodic
An agent that relieves or decreases spasms in muscle. The muscle could include 'smooth muscle' which is the type of muscle in intestines that causes them to contract and move food through the digestive system.
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Antitussive
Cough suppressant.
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Anus
A muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract where fecal waste is expelled.
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