Vet & Veterinary Terms

Indicates that something has no presence of bacteria in it

A location in which animals are slaughtered; a slaughter house.

Abaxial is a term that refers to something in particular being found away from the center of the body or the body part in question.

The abdomen is the part of the body between the chest and the hips. It contains some of the most vital organs of them all, including the stomach and intestines, the bladder, the liver, and other vital organs. Abdominal is an adjective term that refers to something pertaining to the abdomen

Abdominal breathing is an irregular type of breathing that uses the muscles in the wall of the abdomen to move air into the lungs and pump it back out. Abdominal breathing is not normal and is normally the indicator of some type of respiratory condition or infection.

The space in the abdomen that holds the major digestive organs in an animal. Normally referred to as the area between the diaphragm and the pelvis. Also referred to as the peritoneal cavity.

Refers to a condition in which fluid collects around the vital organs located inside the abdomen. This is normally the side effect of a more serious condition, like liver disease or heart disease. Certain bacterial infections can also cause the build-up of such fluid, as can certain types of cancer. An animal experiencing abdominal effusion will likely have an extremely bloated midsection.

The abdominal wall is a group of bones, muscles, and vital tissues that make up the wall around the organs in the abdomen. Inside these bones, muscles, and tissues is a cavity, and the cavity is what houses the vital organs found inside the abdomen. The abdominal wall is vital for protection of these organs.

Abdominocentesis is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the abdomen of the animal to remove fluid. In most cases, abdominocentesis is used to make a diagnosis of some sort in a sick animal.

Abduct is the opposite of adduct. It refers to the movement of something away from the animal's midsection

Abiotrophy refers to the loss of use of an organ in particular. In most cases, this is a progressive condition and is inheritable. Abiotrophy may occur in an organ, a tissue, or even the nervous system.

To take off of the teat or to stop from nursing; to wean an animal off of its mother's milk.

To ablate is to complete take something out of something else. Ablation (n.) refers to removal of a particular body part by cutting it out.

The surgical procedure of attaching the fourth stomach (the abomasums) compartment to the abdominal wall.

In animals, the fourth of several stomach compartments. Also referred to as the true or real stomach.

Used to describe a direction; away from or outside an animal's mouth.

To end the pregnancy early; in animals, usually used to describe similar circumstances as a ‘miscarriage' in humans. An abortion (n.) is used to describe the ending of a pregnancy whether purposeful or accidental.

Fails to work properly; unfruitful. In veterinary medicine, used to describe an animal that is barren or unable to successfully reproduce.

An injury that has occurred in which one or more of the topmost layers of the skin are scraped away. Also known as a scrape

A localized infection, usually a lesion filled with pus. Can be large or small in size.

In veterinary medicine, refers to an animal's actual age in calendar years rather than the age pertaining to their development. ex: absolute age (actual age) vs. age in ‘dog years.

In veterinary medicine, the joining of already digested nutrients with the circulatory system. Absorption is how an animal's body makes use of nutrients from food.

The rate at which digested nutrients enters the circulatory system.

The number of animals per unit area. ex: five horses per square acre.

Refers to the condition of being overrun with parasites, such as ticks or mites.

Any substance known to kill certain parasites, including ticks and mites. May be found in the form of a paste, a liquid, or a powder.

Refers to any tick or mite belonging to the order Acarina or the family Acaridae.

A mite or a tick.

To become accustomed to new actions, surroundings, environment, or companions. Ex: a dog may need to acclimate himself to a new home upon adoption from a shelter.

The act of helping an animal to adjust to something or some place foreign to them.

A process, that of adjusting the eye to see objects at a variety of distances.

Accredited herd is a term that is used to refer to dairy cattle that has been tested and received the certification necessary to be declared free of tuberculosis as described by the United States Department of Agriculture. To be considered part of the accredited herd, two tests given must be passed.

Accuracy of selection refers to the difference between what an animal's breeding value was estimated to be and its actual breeding value.

The socket that holds the head of the femur, found in the pelvis of a given animal.

Chemically described as CH3COOH. In the veterinary context, acetic acid is used in the fermentation of lactic acid and a necessary component of taste in certain dairy products.

The bacteria that is involved with turning alcohol into acetic acid.

Acetic fermentation is the process of turning ethyl alcohol into acetic acid with the use of fermenting bacteria.

Chemically described as CH3COCH3, created from the fermentation of sugar and starch. Acetone can be found in the urine of a diabetic animal, the breath of certain lactating animals, and in blood. When found in lactating animals, acetone indicates a deficiency, usually of carbohydrates resulting from an inability to properly oxidize fat in feed.

Acetonemia is a disease. It involves the presence of large amounts of acetone in the blood. This condition is also referred to as: milk fever, acidosis, acetenouria, pregnancy disease (in ewes).

Refers to difficulty or lack of ability to release the smooth muscle in the digestive system, found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Refers to the changes undergone by the skeletal system during development of the fetus; has the ability to be inherited genetically.

Any substance or solution with a total pH of less than 7; a term used to described low pH or an increase in the number of hydrogen ions in a given substance.

Resists the effects of acids; has less of a chance of losing color due to acidic properties

Refers to silage that is preserved with the help of certain types of acid, including sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, some combination of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid, or commercial phosphoric acid.

Refers to the density of hydrogen ions in a given solution.

A term used to describe an organism that tends to thrive in an acidic environment, such as soil rich in acid.

A condition of the body in which pH levels are abnormally low.

Refers to the sound properties of a given item.

The changes that the character of a particular animal has gone through, whether the be physiological or otherwise. May be due to the environment that they live in. Acquired character cannot be passed on and it is not genetic in nature.

Refers to the immunity that can be built up to a disease or illness that an animal would normally fall victim to. There are several reasons why this is, and it may be an active immunity (antibodies build up through having the disease) or passive immunity (e.g., immunity passed on through mother's milk or an animal's serum).

A measurement; used to figure the number of acres that are needed for one animal to be able to forage easily for one month when used properly.

An issue caused by excessive growth hormones in which the extremities become larger in size.

The outer edge of the scapula; this is where the collar bone is attached to the animal's body.

Refers to the small cap that covers the head of sperm.

Also referred to as active ingredient; a term used to describe the ingredient in a chemical that poses a toxic threat to a particular animal.

Refers to immunity that is built up through exposure to the disease or pathogen.

The compiling of materials using a chemical analysis generated in a laboratory rather than a generalized analysis.

Term used to refer to the amount of area used by certain animals, e.g. livestock or hunting game; expressed in animal units or animal unit months.

The property of being sharp; in veterinary medicine, usually refers to the quality of an animal's vision.

Term used to imply that a situation or condition is more severe than usual; also used to refer to a disease having run a short course or come on suddenly.

The failure of the kidneys; loss of function of the kidneys. ARF usually comes on suddenly.

The potential that something, usually a medicine or substance, has to injure or cause illness in an animal when given as one dose or as multiple doses in the span of one day or less than one day.

The potential that an animal or organism has to change their bodies or lifestyles to suit their surroundings or environment.

Term used to refer to the activities or processes that an animal goes to make changes necessary for it to survive in its current environment, whether temporarily or otherwise.

Items or ingredients added to feed as part of the manufacturing process; may also be used for preservation. Additives also work to increase nutritional value of certain foods, increase the taste appeal, and make it more attractive. There are legalities surrounding the amounts and types of additives allowed in feed.

The result of the mixing of an egg's yolk with the egg white. May also be referred to as a rotten egg, and cannot be eaten.

To move inward or toward the midsection of the animal.

The result of a malignant growth of the tissue of the epithelial gland.

The rearmost pituitary gland; the only area of the pituitary gland that is functional.

A property in which one item has the ability to stick or adhere to another.

Fibers that bond items together that would not normally be combined.

A cell of fat

Refers to the quality of being fat or full of fat.

The weight of a young animal at the time of weaning; this weight is adjusted to the standard for 205 days old as well as the age of the dam itself.

The weight of a yearling after adjustments for the age of the dam and adjusted to a standard 365 days old. b) changes in the numbers of animals, the seasons, classes or types of animals.

As much as needed or wanted; short form of the word ad libitum

Term used to refer to a type of feeding in which there are no restrictions placed on the amount of food to be given at any time.

Often shortened to ad lib; term used to refer to the amount of feed ingested when made completely available without limitation or restriction.

The structures of any given organ.

The outermost part of the adrenal gland

The process of surgically extracting one or both of the adrenal glands.

The gland that produces the hormone adrenaline and others; helps to regulate the metabolism, electrolytes, and even sexual function; also helps to regulate the way the body responds to injury, trauma, etc. The adrenal gland is found near the kidney. Also referred to as the suprarenal gland.

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands, also often referred to as epinephrine. Adrenaline is used in the body's response to traumatic situations or emergencies.

The innermost part of the adrenal gland.

Term used to refer to a type of disease that affects any portion of the adrenal glands.

Sounds of the respiratory system; e.g. bronchi, rales

Term used to refer to certain types of bacteria or organisms that only have the ability to survive in an environment of free oxygen.

Term used to refer to bacteria with the ability to produce certain types of gas.

The act of swallowing air.

A state, usually of illness, in which the subject is free of fever.

Carrying toward; usually refers to nerves in the nervous system that carry certain impulses.

A substance created by a certain fungus, Aspergillus flavus, a carcinogen; known to contaminate corn, some nuts, and certain types of grain.

Found attached to the fetus while en utero; expelled upon birth of the fetus. Term used to refer to the placenta.

A condition in which an animal fails to nurse after birth of the offspring due to lack of secretion of milk; condition often found in female horses.

A female horse that is not properly lactating to feed her foal.

Term used to describe the grouping of animals by age.

Term used to describe a horse over the age of eight years old; often used to refer to a horse over the age of 12 years old.

The grouping together of certain cells, molecules, or particles into one area or clump.

a) antibodies that are created as an animal's natural response to an infection or the presence of strange micro organisms; these antibodies cause the organisms to clump together. b) any substance or antibody that causes certain organisms to clump together; usually causes the clumping of the organism that caused it to be produced in the first place.

The breathing that occurs when an animal is near death or suffering from severe pain.

Any substance that causes a certain effect by attaching itself to the right receptor.

In veterinary terms, an animal whose behavior indicates offensive/defensive activities.

The term for a fear of wide open spaces; in veterinary terms, refers to animals who are kept stabled or in stalls for an extended period of time

Term used mostly in the southwestern United States; refers to a pasture that is used only during the summer months.

A type of coat pattern in which the fur is darker toward the root and becomes gradually lighter near the tip.

Any cell that does not have the normal granular structures in the cytoplasm.

Anything pertaining to or relating to the agriculture industry.

A broad term used to indicate the industry involved with producing animals and plants for use by humans.

Used in the equine industry; indicates the methods by with a rider communicates with his horse.

An avian term; refers to pockets in the respiratory system of birds that hold air and allow them the ability to fly and the buoyancy necessary to do so.

Term that indicates something being white in color.

An animal who lacks normal coloring; lack of melanin. Albino animals usually have a pure white coat and pink or red eyes.

A type of protein that can be dissolved in water; found in milk, egg white, certain muscle, blood, and some urine.

A condition in which albumin is found in urine.

A term indicating that something is white in color. See albidus.

The term used to refer to a family of organic chemical compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in any form.

A test performed in which alcohol and alizarin are combined with milk. If the solution turns reddish, that indicates the presence of normal milk. If the solution turns yellowish or brown in color, that is the indication of sour or rotten milk. A solution that turns purple or violent in color indicates the presence of mastitis milk.

A test performed in which milk and ethyl alcohol are combined to detect milk with abnormal properties. While normal milk should not cling to the tube, abnormal milk tends to cling to the glass.

A condition in which leukocytes (white blood cells) are not found in the blood of an animal.

A crop; often eaten by horses as a vital source of fiber and protein. Alfalfa has compound leaves made up of three small leaves.

Term refers to the system in the body that deals with the processing of food and nutrients in between the mouth and the anus; may also be referred to as the GI tract, the intestinal tract, or the gastrointestinal tract.

A property of having a high pH or a low amount of hydrogen ions.

The layer of the placenta closest to the inside.

Any substance with the potential to produce an allergic reaction in an animal prone to such a reaction.

A condition in which the body reacts to a particular item or product; may also be referred to as hypersensitivity.

The process of cross-fertilization

Term used to refer to a polyploidy that contains chromosomes that are different from one another, as in from more than two species.

Term used to refer to a type of chromosome that is different in one reason or another, either by a discrepancy in behavior, shape, or size.

In the agricultural industry, term used to refer to an area that is designated for use by a certain number of cows or sheep or for use by both types of animals.

A condition of hair loss resulting in either complete baldness or patches of baldness.

a) a type of llama found in Peru and adjacent South American countries b) the product of the alpaca; a type of wool that can be used to create goods.

To change by neutering or spaying. May also be referred to as cutting, gelding, or emasculating.

A theory of reproduction in which certain characteristics are only found in every other generation.

The process of rotating pastures in a manner which allows the forage to grow back before it is grazed once more. May also be referred to as rotational grazing.

An organism in which a parasite or organism inhabits for only a certain part of its life cycle.

A term used to refer to an animal without the ability to chew.

Refers to a living thing that can use both hands equally well, as in not solely considered to be right-handed or left-handed.

Around or surrounding.

A type of gait that is slower or broken up in cadence; usually lateral.

Term used to refer to a type of horse who paces; usually refers to sporting horses.

Term used to refer to a substance, organism, or disease that has the potential to cause abortion in animals.

A condition in which loss of sight occurs without being attributed to any particular disease or medical condition.

Organic substances that aid in the creation of proteins; also the end product of the decomposition of certain proteins.

A condition of the body that occurs when an excess amount of amino acids is taken in.

A chemical compound made of nitrogen and hydrogen; NH3. Often added to feed to make it more nutritious for livestock; usually lacks color but has a strong odor.

A condition in which loss of memory occurs.

The process of obtaining abdominal fluid by puncturing the abdomen with a needle and going through the walls of the uterus to obtain it.

The membrane in the uterus that is closest to the fetus; also referred to as the amniotic sac.

Term refers to the area in the uterus that surrounds the embryo.

The fluid that nourishes the fetus; found in the amniotic sac.

An organism with no shape or form; moves with the help of a false foot.

A term that refers to the hind toe in certain species of birds; the amotus is not one of the digits that touches the ground when the bird is standing.

A term used to refer to an animal, usually a reptile, that starts out breathing with the help of gills and develops into an animal capable of breathing through lungs like a mammal.

A term used to refer to an animal that exists in both the Old World and the New World.

The property of having the ability to react as an acid, base, or casein.

A term used to describe a measurement unit for packaging.

The process of removing all or part of a body part; usually refers to a limb (arm or leg) and is done for medical reasons.

Term used to refer to a certain enzyme that the pancreas creates to help in the digestion of certain starches.

An enzyme created by the pancreas to break sugars down into starch.

The act of reviving a living thing after it has died or appeared to have died.

Building up or building together; the building of cells in the body. The term opposite to catabolism.

A condition referring to excessive thirst.

Term used to refer to an organism that can live without the aid of free oxygen; usually refers to certain types of bacteria.

a) living in an environment lacking free oxygen b) pertaining to an organism with the ability to live in an environment lacking free oxygen.

Bacteria that does not require the presence of free oxygen to live, survive, and reproduce; may even be hindered by the presence of free oxygen in their environment.

Term used to refer to something involving the last portion of the digestive process and the last abdominal segment, the anus.

Without the presence of pain.

Any medication that is designed to aid in relieving pain without being a sedative.

Tissue located inside the anal sac that aids in the marking of territory in animals, for defense, or for sexual behavior.

In veterinary medicine, term used to refer to structures that are anatomically different but perform functions that are somewhat the same in nature.

A condition inw which the pouches inside the anus become inflamed.

Term used to refer to an animal's response to a certain substance, usually foreign; may include swelling, airway blockage, etc; may also be referred to as anaphylactic shock.

Any change in the way that cells are arranged and structured in relation to one another.

A surgical procedure in which two hollow tubes or structures are surgically connected.

Term used to refer to an animal in its regular standing position.

The study of the structure of the body.

Any individual from which a person or animal is descended.

Used in agriculture; a term used to refer to the estimate of the female offspring of any given bill based on the bull's sire and grandsire on its maternal side.

The theory of the development of any offspring that lacks maternal chromosomes.

Term used to refer to a cow that has undergone testosterone therapy; usually adorned with a bell-shaped marker.

A term used to refer to an ultrasonic wave that is transmitted into tissue without it being reflected back.

A condition of the blood in which normal red blood cell counts or hemoglobin are lacking.

The absence of feeling; a medication administered to relieve the sensation of feeling in surgery or other medical procedures.

Any substance known to eliminate feeling; usually applied during a painful medical procedure.

The period in which an animal is not inclined to mate or breed; any time in which a female animal does not cycle.

The enlargement of an artery; usually shaped like a bubble or balloon.

A study of the vessels and heart by way of radiograph; uses dyes and other contrasting materials.

The study of blood vessels after dye has been injected into them to create a visual contrast.

A disease of the blood vessels.

The process of surgically fixing or repairing damaged blood vessels.

The suturing of a blood vessel.

Term used to refer to longer fur, usually found on cats or rabbits.

Term used to refer to a state in an animal in which it cannot sweat.

The entire group of animals in the world; consists of twelve branches of animals.

The term used to refer to the idea that animals are entitled to similar rights as human beings and should not be eaten or abused. Also known as animal welfa

The use of animals as therapy for human beings; may be used to relieve loneliness or provide comfort and soothing.

Any combination of qualities or characteristics in an animal that makes it appropriate for a certain kind of use.

Similar to animal rights; the idea that animals should be treated with care and kindness.

A medical condition in which the pupils of both eyes are differently sized.

A condition in which cells are unequal.

A condition in which a joint is unable to move, usually due to some type of illness or medical procedure.

The distance between the anus and the reproductive organs

Anything deviating from what is usually regarded to be normal.

Lacking the development of one or two eyes.

A surgical procedure in which the anus is repaired.

Term used to refer to the opening of the large intestine.

In veterinary terms, used to refer to the loss of appetite or lack of eating.

Refers to the lack of oxygen.

Term used to refer to what happens when chemical is exposed to another chemical.

Term used to refer to any substance that is used to stop something from happening by binding to a particular receptor that is responsible for that

The area of the front legs that is found between the elbow and the carpal joints.

Term used to refer to the time before a fever sets in.

Term used to refer to the time before a fever sets in.

In veterinary terms, used to refer to the front of the body.

Veterinary term used to indicate the space behind the cornea of the eye and in front of the iris; contains liquid.

Term used to refer to the front of the pituitary gland; can be found at the bottom of the brain and is responsible for the secretion of certain hormones that deal with growth and other bodily functions.

Refers to the normal position of an animal during birth, with the feet and head set to come out first.

Usually used in veterinary medicine to refer to certain drugs that are designed to combat intestinal worms in animals.

Used to refer to any drug that alters irregularities in an animal's heartbeat.

Used to refer to any drug or medical substance that has the ability to slow down or stop the growth of bacteria and other such organisms.

A relationship between two organisms in which one of the organisms causes harm to or kills the other.

Term used to refer to any substance that is used to slow down the growth of bacteria or stop it altogether.

A protein in the body that is designed to fight disease; antibodies are brought on by the presence of certain antigens in the system.

Refers to any substance that slows down or stops the activities of any substance known to be a carcinogen (known to cause cancer).

Term used to refer to any drug that is used to slow down or stop the clotting of blood for medical purposes.

Term used to refer to any substance or drug that stops seizures.

Term used to refer to any drug or substance that is known to prevent bowel movements or stop diarrhea.

A condition in which urine is produced and eliminated on a slower basis.

Any substance used to combat the effects of certain poisons.

Term used to refer to any drug or substance that is used to control vomiting.

Any substance or item that the body of an animal would regard as strange or unwanted; a foreign disease or virus in the body (toxin, etc.)

Term used to refer to any drug that lowers an animal's blood pressure.

Term used to refer to any substance that slows down or prevents the activity of a mutagen.

Term used to refer to a drug that is used to treat a neoplasm.

Term used to describe certain feeds; refers to c or anything else that contains compounds that prevent the process of oxidization.

Any drug that is used to control itching and resultant inflammation.

Term used to describe a drug that is used to reduce a feverish temperature.

Preventing certain infections by destroying or excluding certain organisms that may be known to contribute to them.

Any drug that kills organisms in an animal's tissue or prevents the growth of more.

Any serum that is known to contain the antibodies that contain the antigen necessary to combat a certain disease; usually contains antibodies extracted from an animal that has been infected with the disease and built up an immunity

Any drug that is known to prevent spasms of any muscles in the body.

A type of antiserum that contains antibodies against certain poisons.

A medication designed to reduce or eliminate a cough.

Any person who is against or works against surgery on live animals for the purpose of education or veterinary research.

An object protruding from the skull on certain animals; deciduous and ossified in nature. May be found on deer, elk, etc.

The empty space inside any hollow organ or bodily structure.

The lack of production of urine in an animal's body.

The end of the gastrointestinal tract; the opening at the end of the tract.

The name of the main artery that starts in the left ventricle of an animal's four chamber heart.

The fold of membranes between the left ventricle and the aorta.

Lack of caring; indifference.

Any type of opening

The very tip or peak of something

The absence of a lens, as in an eye.

A small sac inside the udder, between the toes, or inside the mouth of certain animals; may have to do with a foot-and-mouth disease or affliction.

The third layer of the meninges

When a certain organ or vital tissue fails to properly or fully develop.

Failure to breathe properly, as in while sleeping; lack of breathing.

Something that is attached to something else, usually something larger; e.g. a leg or an arm.

The bones that make up the extremities on the body, including the shoulders, etc.

Placing something side-by-side with something else.

In veterinary terms, the term used to refer to the procedure by which a certain part will be dissected and/or exposed.

Term used to refer to an area on a bird that lacks feathers.

Lacking wings.

Term used to refer to the liquid that gives nourishment to the structures inside the rear segment of an animal's eye.

A group of bugs known for having four pairs of legs and either one or two bodily segments; spiders are the most famous of all arachnids.

Term used to refer to something being constructed of tiny hairs; a cobweb is arachnoid in nature.

A bend or curve

A biological term that refers to plants or animals from which certain qualities have been inherited.

The place where something happens; the area in which certain actions take place.

A term usually used in the context of care for rabbits; a little structure with a ridged roof that may be used to house rabbits.

The muscle that is attached to the hair follicle that causes the hair to stand up straight; the plural form of this word is arrector pili.

The removal of part of an artery by surgical procedure.

The smaller veins or arteries that extend out from larger arteries.

A surgical procedure in which damage to an artery is rectified or an artery is repaired.

A medical condition in which arteries become thicker and harder in texture.

A medical procedure in which an artery is cut or sliced open.

A large blood vessel that transports blood out of the heart.

Term used to refer to a medical condition that causes pain in the joints.

A medical condition in which the joints become inflamed and causes a great deal of pain.

A medical procedure in which the joints are punctured in order to remove fluid.

A surgical procedure in which vertebrae in the spine or a joint is surgically fused.

A term used to refer to pain in the joints

A recording of the examination of a joint after dye has been injected to detect contrasts for some medical purpose.

The process of performing an examination on a joint after dye has been injected into the joint.

The study of joints, joint pain, and anything related to the joints.

A disease affecting a joint in the body.

An animal belonging to the phylum Arthropoda; characterized by an external skeleton and jointed legs. May include certain insects and crustaceans.

A medical instrument used to look at the inside of a joint.

The endoscopic method of examining the inside of a joint.

A medical condition by stiffening or hardening of the joints.

A hormone that is created to be used in place of hormones that an animal's body would have produced naturally otherwise.

A method of breeding in which semen is collected and stored to be inserted into the vagina without actual breeding activity; often shortened to AI in the veterinary world.

Term used to refer to immunity that comes about because a vaccine was administered.

A zoological term used to refer to a certain order of mammals; includes animals with hooves and an even number of toes.

Moving upward

The collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Vitamin C; C6F1806; known to prevent scurvy and is found in fruits and vegetables.

A medical state in which infection is not present

Term used to refer to cautions used in order to prevent a wound from becoming infected or contaminated.

Term used to indicate raspy or rough.

A medical condition resulting in a lack of oxygen, usually resulting in death.

A lack of breathing due to a purposeful cut off of air; may also be referred to as suffocation.

a) inhaling b) getting out fluid or gas by the act of sucking.

A type of test that is used to count the number of organisms in a particular sample.

To make a decision about or evaluate.

A test or evaluation.

The absorption of something

Lack of strength in the body; weakness; inability to perform excessive amounts of work.

An allergic disorder that results in difficulty breathing.

Without a mouth

Any drug that is known to cause tissues to contract, such as tannic acid, zinc oxide, or zinc sulfate.

A type of shell that is shaped like a star

A tumor of the head that is made up of astrocyte (star-shaped) cells.

Out of proportion or unbalanced; may also be referred to as unsymmetrical.

Term used to refer to a condition of having a disease or affliction but not displaying symptoms of it.

A term that indicates a lack of contraction; used to refer to a lack of activity in the heart.

The re-emergence of a disease or a certain characteristic after it has skipped one or more generations.

A medical condition in which an animal is unable to control the movements of their muscles; may result in collapse or stumbling.

A medical condition in which the alveoli fail to fully expand or collapse due to a lack of air.

A medical condition in which the arteries become small and hard as the result of excessive fatty deposits.

The number one cervical vertebrae.

The process in which a liquid is turned into a very fine spray.

Lacking control of the muscles.

A form of hypersensitivity or allergy in certain animals.

Term used to refer to something that results from a method of treatment that caused no trauma or damage.

The absence of a body opening that would normally be there; the absence of a certain organ that is tubular in structure.

The atrium and the ventricle.

A mass of tissue that can be found inside the right atrium; transmits electrical impulses to certain areas of the heart.

The fold of membranes found among the front and rear chambers of the heart; may be described as the left and right atrioventricular valve

The superior chamber in an animal's heart.

The wasting away of certain tissues; a medical condition that occurs when tissues fail to grow.

A wound that can be found on the leg of a horse; an attaint can be attributed to damage caused by a horse's own hooves.

To wear down or reduce; to dilute or make thinner.

The term used to refer to the decrease in intensity of an ultrasound beam as it travels through bodily tissue.

Deviating from the normal; not typical.

A term used to describe a strange gait in a horse; it is slower than normal but may resemble a gallop.

Anything pertaining to what can be heard; hearing.

Term used to refer to a group of three small bones in the heart that transmit certain vibrations and allow for hearing.

Referring to the ear.

A pooling or mass filled with blood that can be found in the outer ear.

The use of a stethoscope (usually) in listening to the sounds of an animal's body.

A device used to sterilize instruments with the use of pressurized steam.

A vaccine that is made from the bacteria of the patient it is being used to treat.

Any disease in which an animal's body creates antibodies that are used against itself.

A medical condition in which an animal becomes allergic to its own tissues; may result in a severe illness.

The process in which meat ‘rots' after slaughtering or fruits or vegetables become soft; also referred to as self-digestion.

The part of the nervous system that contains the nerves that control involuntary movement.

A chromosome not involved in determining sex

A term used to indicate an organism that creates their own source of food.

Term used to refer to the period of autumn in which certain animals cease reproduction.

Term used to refer to energy that can be metabolized.

The process of calculating an animal's weight after weaning by dividing the number of pounds gained by the number of days they have been on actual feed.

Term used to indicate something that involves birds.

A place where birds are kept.

Any substance that is used to kill birds.

The study of caring for birds; the act of raising birds.

A term used to indicate that something lacks the ability to create a disease.

A disease that occurs as the result of a deficiency of a certain type of vitamin.

A condition in which certain organisms can purposely prolong the amount of time they are dormant as the result of some type of environmental stress.

The tearing or breaking away of a part.

A term used to indicate that something is free of germs.

The feather in the middle of a bird's wing that is used to separate the primary feathers and the secondary feathers.

Certain bones of an animal’s skeleton including: skull, vertebral column, ribs, sternum.

The area under the arm; the arm pit.

The second cervical vertebrae.

The part of the neuron that is extended out from the cell and works to conduct electrical impulses.

Term used to indicate something related to the axon.

The condition of having no sperm present in the semen.

The condition of having urea and other nitrogenous elements in an animal's blood.

  The condition of having excessive amounts of urea or other nitrogenous compounds in the urine.

A test developed by S.M. Babcock in the late 1800s; tests the fat in milk by spinning it in a specialized manner with sulfuric acid.

A term used to describe a type of bacteria that is shaped like a rod.

The breeding of females to a male of the same breed as the female’s parents.

A disease that occurs when bacteria present in the blood.

Any substance known to kill bacteria.

The dissolution of bacteria on the animal’s body, whether inside or outside the body.

An agent that is known to destroy bacteria; it is only active in the presence of bacteria that is susceptible to damage that it can cause.

Any compound that is known to slow down or kill the growth of particular types of bacteria.

The singular form of the word bacteria; a tiny, microscopic organism only made up of one cell.

A medical condition that indicates the presence of bacteria in an animal’s urine.

A term used to refer to a dental condition in animals in which the bottom teeth and the top teeth do not come together.

The amount of feed given to livestock or animals; designed to promote healthy development in animals.

A white marking on the face of an animal that covers both of the eyes and both of the nostrils.

A term used to refer to an animal that lacks hair or feathers on top or lacks horns.

A term used to indicate what happens when an animal stops movement suddenly.

A type of joint that allows for free movement in all directions. May also be referred to as enarthrosis.

A piece of equipment used in giving pills to livestock or applying magnets.

A technique used to diagnose pregnancy or determine the contents of an animal’s abdomen; involves tapping the wall of the abdomen to bounce a structure against the other wall.

a) In equine terms, a method of styling a mane into sections with rubber bands b) Marking an animal (e.g. a bird) by fastening a band to a part of their body. c) A method used to castrate animals in which a rubber band is placed on the scrotum, causing the testicles to atrophy.

A disorder in which animals bite the fur of subordinate animals as a method of establishing dominance.

a) The method of riding a horse with no saddle. b) In poultry terms, used to denote a chicken that does not have feathers across its back

Commonly referred to simply as barium, may be used as a material for contrast injections.

A book of records that includes livestock data, including special dates, weights, and other data.

A slang term often used to describe dairy products that have a flavor inconsistent with what is normally preferred.

The land that is connected to the barn; may be fenced in to enclose animals.

Also called bar shoe; a type of horse shoe that helps to keep a horse from slipping.

Used to describe a feather pattern in chickens; alternating stripes of dark and light feathers.

Refers to an animal not being able to reproduce

Term used to refer to a female horse that is intact but has yet to become pregnant after multiple breeding seasons.

Term used to indict certain animals that are kept under highly sterilized conditions in a unit of barriers.

a) Term used to indicate a male pig that was neutered shortly after birth. b) A term used to describe the action of only partly shearing a sheep.

Any feed that is given to a horse mainly for the energy it can give and not usually for other nutritional benefits.

The minimum amount of energy require to perform vital bodily functions and cellular activity while at complete rest otherwise.

Term used to indicate a horse that is standing with their feet close together.

Term used to indicate a horse that is standing with their feet far apart from one another, in a wide stance.

A row of cages used to raise chickens with no hen present, usually for market purposes like meat and eggs.

Term used to describe a horse whose coat is colored brown with specks or spots of gray in it.

The rein that presses up on the horse’s neck to get them to turn in a particular way.

To reproduce or procreate; to father.

A term use to indicate a castrate male sheep that is used as a flock leader; they usually wear a bell around their neck.

Not being able to cause harm; the opposite of malignant.

Any muscle that has two heads.

The quality of having two colors

The quality of having two horns.

The quality of having two teeth.

The division of something one time.

Having two sides

The quality of being the same on both of two sides.

The fluid created by the liver that helps food in the stomach to be digested.

A certain pigment that is produced when hemoglobin is destroyed.

A slang term use to describe a young male goat; the correct term for this is buck.

The term used to describe the two Latin names given to all plants and animals.

The idea that substances collect in an animal’s system and although they may remain immune to their effects there are other species that can be negatively affected by its presence in their environment.

Anything that can cause harm to life.

Anybody who studies life and living things.

Certain living things that sustain themselves through other life, like a pathogen or parasite.

The process of removing tissue to examine it, usually for medical reasons.

The branch of technology that deals with applying biology and engineering to the study of plants and animals.

The most that an animal will ever be able to reproduce when given all opportunity.

Having two completely different ends

The weight of a newborn animal after it has been in the world for a full 24 hours.

Term named after a horse dealer known for reshaping a horse’s teeth in order to make it look younger and bring a higher profit.

A female dog that has not been spayed.

Teaching a horse to obey the bit before they are ready to be used for riding.

A horse with a black and white coat.

A professional who creates items out of iron and certain metals.

The process of removing a portion or the entire eyelid through surgical methods.

A condition in which an animal’s eyelid becomes inflamed.

The repair of an eyelid through surgery.

A condition in which the upper eyelid is droopy

The suturing of the eyelids together.

A condition of an animal involving involuntary spasms of the eyelid.

A cut or incision in an animal’s eyelid

Small pieces of leather that are hooked to a bridal that can prevent a horse from seeing anything that is not in front of them.

The inability to see anything

A part of an udder that does not properly lactate or has some type of blockage in the teat.

A teat that fails to properly produce milk; may not be connected to the gland properly.

The term used for a female sheep that is in heat.

The process of putting something irritation onto a blemish in order to get it to go away.

A horse with a deeper slop to his hoof than would normally be noticeable.

Any horse that has been purely bred.

The term referring to the various lines of breeding within the family.

The amount of pressure applied by the blood on the arteries.

Milk that is secreted from an animal with damaged gland tissues or broken blood vessels.

A term used to denote a shiny coat on a horse

The process of walking to loosen up or warm up muscles to prevent injury; to warm up.

A type of mastitis that is gangrenous in nature ; it causes a bluish tint to the udder.

A horse that has gray hairs and a gray coat.

Term used to refer to a horse with a black coat with white specks; the white specks give the appearance of a blue coat.

The term used for an animal with a short tail or whose tail has been docked.

A condition in which a horse’s joints become distended due to extra fluid on the inside of the hock.

The skeleton that frames the body of an animal or person.

The product that is crated when bones are ground and dried.

A piece of metal that is used to repair bones when they have become fractured.

The screws that are used to press fragments together with bone plates in order to fix a fracture.

A bump in a horse’s hock that can cause lameness.

The process of making the leg appear thicker by causing the hair to stand out on the thigh; used to make beef appear more appealing for meat.

The movement of gas in the gut that causes noise.

The term used to indicate a type of humped cattle found in some countries.

The scientific term used to denote a type of cattle that is found in certain areas.

A type of tool used to insert into a bodily crevice for medical reasons, such as dilation or to administer a type of medication.

A term used to describe anything related to cattle.

A hormone that helps to stimulate lactation in cows; it is produced naturally.

The name for the part of the kidney that has the glamorous.

Any joint on an instrument with rings that can move about freely.

A type of stall in which a horse can move about with ease.

a) An instrument designed to provide some type of support. b) Two of something; a pair

A type of bandage worn by horses that is designed to provide support

Referring to the arm

A group of nerves found in an animal’s front limbs.

The last part of the front legs between the shoulder and the elbow.

An animal with a wide head, short in stature.

A tooth that is permanently rooted

A system used to spin wool in the United States.

A particularly slow beating heart.

A particularly slow breathing rate.

A method of slaughtering fowl in which a knife is pushed through the roof of the mouth to pierce the medulla oblongata and cause death.

The part of the brain that contains the medulla oblongata and other vital portions of the brain.

A stem that comes out from a larger stem.

A record of brands that are used to identify types of cattle.

Muscle, usually in the arm or leg

The term used to describe the way that a donkey or mule cries; the term used to describe the noise that they make.

An animal’s sternum

A strap that goes across the chest of a horse; may also be referred to as a breast band.

A term used to describe any animal that can pass through a fence

A pregnant cow; a young cow who has yet to give birth but is with calf.

a) A direction for a calf to be facing that may cause birth problems b) The rear end of an animal, between the bottom of the tail and the top of the hocks. c) A type of wool that comes from a sheep’s back legs.

The portion of the harness that goes around a horse’s bottom.

A type of organization whose goal is to hold dear the pure blood lines of a particular breed, usually of livestock or poultry. This group is the one to set and maintain the requirements to be associated.

The details of the appearance of an animal, as in horn shape, ear shape, etc.

A male turkey whose only goal is to breed.

Also referred to as the breeding rack or breeding crate; a confinement build to assist a female animal in the act of mating.

Certain animals whose sole purpose in life is to aid in breeding.

The name for a portion of any flock that is kept around just for the purpose of building the herd through mating and birthing.

A type of weight that is applied to a mare’s foot to prevent her from kicking the stallion who is trying to mate with her.

a) A group of large pens that are used to breed certain types of poultry. b) Any building that is used solely for the purpose of breeding.

The time of year when certain animals are inclined to mate and have young.

Some type of imperfection that prevents an animal from being fit to breed.

The maximum potential that an animal has as far as its potential profit in terms of meat, eggs, milk, or other goods useful to people; may also refer to their ability to mate and birth and nurse young.

Cows that are exceptionally fit for breeding; I.e. very feminine cows and masculine bulls.

a) A part of a horse harness that holds the bit and reins together. b) A rope with hooks at both ends.

A term used to refer to a horse that is well trained with using the bridle.

A horse that is known for a glossy coat, usually lighter in color.

A type of animal who has a type of tawny or brown coat, usually streaked or spotted.

To give birth to or bring up

A group of tissues and fat that cover a certain part of the chest and between the front legs of an animal.

Something with stiff hairs or hair like pieces on a plant or animal.

a) A type of antibiotic that kills both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.b) A type of pesticide that is known to kill a whole variety of insects but also tends to affect other wildlife as well.

The term used to refer to a particularly young chicken usually between 8 and 12 weeks of age.

A condition of a horse hanging his head; a heavier neck that may bend down or fall to one side.

A gap in the cartilage in the ear of a rabbit; called lop ear to some. A broken ear likely prevents the rabbit from holding its ear properly.

A respiratory disease that affects older horses; lungs cells are dilated and it is an inheritable condition.

A horse who has not been broken; a wild horse.

Anything that is used to expand the bronchial tubes.

A condition of the lungs and bronchi in which they become inflamed and congested.

A tool used to look into the trachea and bronchi.

A contraction of the bronchi, usually involuntary.

The act of examining the trachea and bronchi with a bronchoscope.

An enclose that is designed for young to be raised with no mother.

A hen whose sole purpose is to sit atop eggs and let them incubate to raise the young.

A term used to refer to a hen that is content with always sitting on eggs and nothing else; may also be used to refer to other animals that are anxious to mate and reproduce and raise young.

The act of raising chicks in a safe environment.

A term used to describe an animal that gives good signs of being fit for breeding.

A structure used to house a hen who is brooding in order to make her more inclined to produce eggs.

The section of the bridle that is designed to fasten around the horse’s forehead area.

Used to describe a horse’s coat; a gray horse with tiny brown spots scattered across it.

The tendency for an animal to grit its teeth

The part of the tooth that faces the inside of the cheek.

a) A male rabbit b) A male goat c)The term used for wool taken from a ram d)An action performed by a horse; with the head held down the back legs are kicked up as a sort of low leap.

Term used to refer to an animal whose normal stance is knees bent out.

Term used to describe a horse with an eye disorder in which the cornea appears to stick out further beyond the eyelids than normal. These horses normally have vision problems.

Any group of rams

A stall that is used for ease in saddling broncos.

Term used to refer to a male goat between one and two years old.

a) A horse with a gray brown coat b)The skin taken from a male deer c)Any horse with a brown coat and black mane and tail

The term usually reserved for the large vat that feed is stored in. It is stored through a funnel from a truck or mill and is fed into troughs through another type of auger.

The action of showing signs that they are ready to mate.

A bull that has been neutered.

A wooden pen that is used to hold bulls.

A tall structure used to store silage.

Term used to refer to those animals with teeth that are more round than sharp

A condition characterized by an abnormally large eye.

A term for a donkey or ass

Term used to describe wool that has a great deal of seeds, burrs, or other debris in it.

A pouch of fluid that eases the pain of movement in certain areas.

The condition that results when bursa become inflamed.

A person who trains horses.

A random group of rabbits who are bought for the purpose of slaughter.

The term used to describe a female cow that is in heat for a long time but has yet to become pregnant.

The fat that can be found in milk

A horse with a red to blue colored coat.

Any protein that is treated so as to not be changed in the ruminant stomach of animal.

  Any product that is derived from but less in value than another product from the same source.

A physiological 24-hour cycle

When the lacrimal sac becomes inflamed and tears, causing draining.

A condition in which the lacrimal gland becomes inflamed.

The process of removing the lacrimal sac by surgery

The process of cutting into the lacrimal sac.

A group that tests cows for milk and fat and keeps records of feeding.

Any cow that is used for the production of milk products, not meat or reproduction.

Any horse that barely touches the ground while trotting; prone to stumbling.

Any female animal that has given birth.

A circular pattern of fur with an off color.

A collection of information that has been collected as pertaining to an experiment.

The female offspring of any living thing.

A cell that is formed when another cell divides

A calf marked for veal meat before it is a week old.

Term used to describe a horse who does not respond to directing by rein and bit as far as the mouth is concerned.

The weight of meat after the animal has been slaughtered.

The folds of skin below the ear in a fowl bird.

Loss of hearing in whole or in part.

The number of animals lost as the result of death by accident, disease, or otherwise.

A procedure in which vocal cords are trimmed to make a dog’s bark less harsh.

A tool used to cut the beak off of a chicken or turkey for the safety of other birds.

The process of removing part of the beak to prevent damage to other chickens, cannibalism, and other undesirable behavior.

Losing of strength; becoming weaker.

Removing foreign tissue or matter; taking out damaged or contaminated tissue.

Removing calcium from an animal’s bones.

Decomposing of matter with the help of fungus and bacteria; matter is completely oxidized.

Temporary teeth that go away as maturity approaches

A bedsore; loss of tissue or skin due to pressure being applied for too long.

Below the surface of something, as in position

The exiting of excrement from the body; bowel movements.

a) Any blemish that impairs an animal’s value b) Any deviation from what is normally regarded as far as breed is concerned.

The process of keeping livestock out of a pasture until there is enough flora to sustain grazing.

Using electrical shock to bring the heart beat back into normal limits.

Less than what is normally required or needed of something

To remove the fleas off of an animal’s coat

Anything that looks different from what is considered to be normal and healthy for that species

The process of removing the oil from fiber

Term refers to how closely grazed a pasture is; ungrazed, lightly grazed, etc.

Any opening in a wound from surgery

To remove the horns or horn buds through heat, chemical, or other methods

Clippers used to remove the horns of certain animals; like large scissors

To take the moisture out of something

A medical condition in which the body has lost fluid or water in excessive amounts

The condition of not being able to give milk

Has the potential to cause harm to something

When the fetus leaves the body

The removal of lice from the skin with chemicals

A type of wool that is somewhat lustrous but does not merit a classification of lustrous wool

When myelin is lost or destroyed

Small roots on neurons that receive impulses and send them the right way

a) Mass per volume b) The number of animals in a given area

A mineral deposit on the teeth; commonly referred to as tartar

Cavities; decay of teeth

A dip in the incisor teeth of horses; dark in color

A guide to the number of teeth and kinds of teeth found in an animal’s mouth

Term used in cattle terms; refers to the hard ridge in a cattle’s mouth that replaces upper teeth

A soft deposit from food left on the teeth; easily removed

Small dentate teeth

The tissue that holds the tooth in place in the mouth

Refers to the pattern of teeth; the way teeth are arranged

Nucleic acid that carries genetic information

Stunted; limited in growth

Fat that has collected in the body

A type of appetite or craving not normal in an animal

Related to or of the skin

A condition in which the skin becomes inflamed

A professional who deals with studying the skin

The study of skin

A growth on the skin due to a type of fungus

A type of fungus that can be found on the skin

A condition of the skin

The skin; also referred to as the corium

Moving downward or toward the end

Growth that will only reach a certain point once a certain age has been reached

Removal of the yolk sack from chicks that were just born

The first digit on dogs and cats; has no function

The pendulum of skin hanging from an animal’s throat

To get rid of parasitic worms in an animal

A procedure used to get waste out of the blood when the kidneys are unable to function

The muscle in the abdomen that aids in breathing

Fecal material that is wary in consistency

The dilation of the ventricles of the heart

A donkey or bird; slang word

Animals that possess both male and female traits

The time between estrous cycles

Material from plants that resists the action of enzymes in the digestive system

The process of developing different organisms over evolution

Movement of material from an area highly concentrated to an area where there is a lower concentration

How easily a substance can be turned into an appropriate digestible form

The amount of energy that can be obtained from the digestible portion of any amount of food

The amount of a certain nutrient that can be digested into the body

The amount of protein that can be absorbed into an animal’s system

The whole system involved in digestion from mouth to anus

The act of walking on the toes

To make something wider

The widening of something

Any material that is designed to dilute another ingredient

To make something weaker or more liquid by mixing it with something else

Term used to refer to the colors of feather in chickens; indicates a softer color, like tan

Feed with a great deal of fiber