Glossary #4
Terms
used by: Veterinary
professionals
A
Addison’s disease – the pituitary gland
produces a hormone that triggers the adrenal gland to
produce corticosteroids. If there is a problem with
the adrenal gland, or a pituitary tumor, the process
breaks down and not enough corticosteroids are produced.
Characterized by weakness, weight loss, anorexia, and
fatigue.
alopecic syndrome, color dilution alopecia
– deficiency of the hair, caused by a failure to
grow or regrow after loss. Signs may include bacterial
folliculitis, scaling and hair loss. Caused by the dilution
gene at the D locus.
allergy – immunological hypersensitivity
to certain foreign antigens.anemia – reduction
of red blood cells or hemoglobin. The red cells contain
the protein ‘hemoglobin’ which binds oxygen
in the red blood cell. This allows the transport of
oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Symptoms include
weakness, reluctance to exercise, pale mucus membranes,
and tachycardia (abnormally rapid heart rate).
anatomy - The physical structure of the body.
Understanding the words used to express positioning
on a dog’s body helps a great deal in understanding
veterinary lingo. For the directions below, the dog
is standing in the center of a room with his head facing
the north wall.
- On the body:
- Dorsal - toward the ceiling or back
- Ventral - toward the floor or belly
- Cranial, or anterior - toward the north
wall or head
- Caudal, or posterior - toward the south
wall or butt
- Lateral - toward the east or west wall
or side
- Medial - toward the midline, away from
the east or west walls
- On the limbs:
- Proximal - toward the body
- Distal - away from the body
- Palmar - the front foot pads
- Plantar - the rear foot pads
- Movement:
- Flexion - decreasing a joint’s angle
- Extension - increasing a joint’s
angle
antibody – proteins produced by the immune
system in response to antigens; an important component
of the immune system.
antigen – a foreign substance that stimulates
an immune response.
arthritis – inflammation of a joint. Caused
by abnormal stress on a normal joint, or by normal stress
on an abnormal joint. Polyarthritis is immune mediated,
and is arthritis in multiple joints. http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/osteo.htm
autoimmune disease – failure of the immune
system to differentiate the body’s own cells from
foreign substances, triggering an inflammatory response
against self. This can be in the form of a very specific
immune attack, such as the destruction of pancreatic
islet cells resulting in diabetes mellitus, or a broad
immunologic injury such as lupus.
autoimmune hemolytic anemia – the body
produces antibodies directed against its own red blood
cells, causing their destruction. FYI: Many if not all
of the autoimmune anemias have antibodies that attack
related, similar blood types, donor RBC’s too.
autosomal – any of the chromosomes other
than the sex pair, the ‘X’ or ‘Y’
chromosomes. benign – not cancerous or malignant.
calcinosis circumscripta – deposits of
calcium found in small lumps under the skin, in the
tongue, or attached to tendons or in joint capsules.
B
C
cancer – a group of diseases caused by transformation
of normal cells into malignant ones. When these cells
shed and travel to other areas of the body, the cancer
is said to metastasize. As the cancerous growth draws
nutrients, and the general lack of well-being diminishes
the appetite, the resultant emaciation is called cancer
cachexia. http://www.bmd.org/cancer.html
cataracts – Loss of transparency of the
lens of the eye. Can be genetic or acquired as the result
of injury or diabetes, etc. Also associated with PRA
which is inherited.
- juvenile – develops in dogs less than 6 months
old.
- punctate – small points.
cerebellar degeneration – degeneration
of the cerebellar portion of the brain.
cervical vertebral instability (wobblers) –
compression of the cervical (neck) spinal cord caused
by instability or malformation of the cervical vertebrae.
Dogs show lack of muscle coordination in the back legs
and possibly neck.
cleft palate – a congenital split involving
the hard or soft palate in the mouth. May cause nasal
regurgitation in newborns. Known to be inherited in
some breeds, may also be caused by environmental factors.
congenital - present at birth. May or may not
be inherited from parents and may or may not be passed
on to off-spring.
cruciate – shaped like a cross. Cruciate
ligaments are found on the front (cranial or anterior)
and the back (caudal or posterior) of the stifle (‘knee’)
joint.
cryptorchid – an animal with one or two
undescended testicles.
Cushing’s disease – the pituitary
gland produces a hormone that triggers the adrenal gland
to produce corticosteroids. If there is a problem with
the adrenal gland, or a pituitary tumor, the process
breaks down and too much corticosteroids are produced.
cystitis – inflammation of the urinary
bladder.
cyst – a closed sac of fluid or semi-solid
substance. Generally harmless, but in some cases they
may become malignant.
D
demodectic mange – skin disease characterized
by hair loss particularly on the head, face, neck, shoulders
and the front of the forelegs. Caused by the demodex
mite which is normally found on the skin of most dogs,
but due to an abnormality of the immune system, the
body overreacts to its presence. It can be treated,
but it is occasionally resistant to treatment.
Diabetes insipidus – inadequate
secretion of, or resistance to the effects of, antidiuretic
hormone (ADH or Vasopressin). This hormone stimulates
the kidney retain water in the body. Consequently,
the dog passes a large volume of urine with a low specific
gravity, and also exhibits great thirst. It may be acquired,
inherited, or idiopathic. mellitus – due to a failure
of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin, or the
cells resistance to the effects of insulin the body
is unable to properly process glucose. May require insulin
injections, or may be controlled with diet. May be acquired
or possibly inherited.
dominant – only one copy of a gene is
necessary for a trait to be exhibited. At least one
of the parents would also exhibit this same trait.
dysfibrinogenemia, factor I deficiency – fibrinogen,
or Factor I, is an important component of the "clotting
cascade" which allows your body to stop bleeding.
This disease is due to either an abnormally low amount
of fibrinogen, or its complete absence, or the presence
of a normal amount of an abnormal and less effective
fibrinogen. Symptoms include easy or excessive bleeding
or no symptoms at all.
dysplasia – bad (dys) + growth (plasia)
E
ectopic cilia – hairs on the inside of the
eyelids causing irritation to the eye.
ectropion – eyelid turns outward. Allows
for the accumulation of foreign matter causing eye irritation.
elbow dysplasia, ED - asynchronous growth of
the bones of the foreleg causing the joint to meet improperly.
http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/elbows.htm
entropion – eyelids turn inward causing
hair to irritate the surface of the eye. Normally requires
surgical correction, and sometimes requires multiple
surgeries.
epilepsy – abnormal electrical function
of the brain causing disturbances of the nervous system.
F
fading puppy syndrome – an apparently normal
puppy gradually weakens and dies within a week or two
of birth. Not a specific disorder, but generally applied
to infectious causes.
fibrosarcoma – a malignant tumor arising from
collagen-producing fibroblasts (an immature fiber-producing
cell of connective tissue).
fly-snapping – repeated snapping at non-existent
flying object has been associated in BMDs with partial
seizures, in some cases with ear infections, and in
a few cases with food allergies. Some forms may be alleviated
by seizure medications. A few have been alleviated with
behavioral modification techniques, which may indicate
that some forms are simply behavioral problems often
caused by boredom.
fragmented coronoid process, FCP – the
coronoid process fragments forming a loose body in the
elbow joint, called a joint mouse. See elbow dysplasia.
http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/elbows.htm
G
gastric dilatation-volvulus, bloat – Gastric
dilatation means stomach distention or enlargement,
caused by expanding gas. This may or may not be accompanied
by volvulus, or torsion, or twisting of the stomach
on its long axis. http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/bloat.htm
glomerulonephritis – Inflammatory disease
of the glomerulus, part of the kidney, which filters
toxic waste from the blood. Tests of the urine can show
a variety of abnormalities. Complete loss of kidney
function can occur.
gulps – exaggerated swallowing
movements. In BMDs, it often is accompanied by a desperate
need to eat anything, especially grass.
H
hemangiosarcoma – a malignant tumor of endothelial
cells (the layer of cells that lines the cavities of
the heart and of the blood and lymph vessels). (Epithelial
cells cover all body surfaces, inside and out.)
hematoma – localized collection of blood,
a lump. Dogs can get them in their ear flaps from violent
and repeated shaking of the head, from such things as
ear infections or insect stings.
hemophilia – the blood lacks coagulating
factors, causing a strong tendency to bleed, and difficulty
in getting the bleeding to stop. hepatitis – inflammation
of the liver. This can result from a variety of causes
including infections (particularly viral), drugs, autoimmunity
and genetics. The liver stores and filters blood, secretes
bile, converts sugars, processes fat, produces proteins
which help to control blood volume, and produces some
of the clotting factors.
hepatocerebellar degeneration – death
of liver cells causing poisoning of the white matter
of the brain.
hernia – abnormal protrusion
of organs through a weak spot or abnormal opening, usually
in the abdominal or groin areas.
hip dysplasia, CHD, HD – improper development
of the hip joint, typically, the acetabulum (socket)
is not deep enough for the femoral head (ball) to fit
fully into place. http://workingdogs.com/doc0090.htm
histiocytomas – a small wart-like skin
growth that will eventually disappear. (Note: NO growths
or lumps on a BMD should ever be ignored!)
histiocytosis – abnormal appearance of
histiocytes in the blood. (Histiocytes are produced
by the bone marrow and are normally immobile until stimulated
by inflammation. They are a type of antigen presenting
cell.)
- cutaneous – benign proliferation of
nodules in or under the skin
- malignant – a rapidly invasive proliferation
of neoplastic (new growth) histiocytes. No known treatment,
always fatal.
- systemic – proliferation of histiocytes
invading the skin and lymph nodes. Can go into remission
for years, or progress to the malignant form. Can
be treated, but not cured.
hot spots – inflammation of the skin,
dermatitis. Frequently caused by flea bites, or a hypersensitivity
to an allergen. Can also be caused by bacteria building
up in an area that the dog bites or scratches. Some
BMD owners have linked it to the dog having wet fur
for prolonged periods of time.
hydrocephalus, water on the brain – accumulation
of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull, which diminishes
the size of the brain.
hyper - increased
hypertrophic osteodystrophy, HOD - inflammation
of the growth plates, and can be accompanied by depression,
weight loss, and fever. The joints may be swollen and
feel hot. Mild cases usually resolve with no lasting
ill effects. However, in the rare case of severe HOD,
permanent damage to the bone joints can result in limb
deformities. http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/lpano.htm
hypo – decreased
hypomyelination, tremblers – reduction
in the amount of myelin (cover or sheath) on the nerves.
The disease has an early onset, in BMDs is considered
to be an autosomal recessive trait.
I
idiopathic – no known cause
incontinence – inability to control urination
and/or defecation.
intervertebral disk disease, IVDD – pain
and often paralysis resulting from displacement of the
center of a vertebral disk.
intussuception – the intestine telescopes
on itself, causing a blockage.
irritable bowel syndrome – soft or watery
feces, often with mucus. Associated with stress. Also
called colitis.
J
K
L
lateral torsion – twisted or rotated out.
leukemia – a cancerous proliferation of
one of the subsets of White Blood Cells.
luxating tarsus – dislocation of the ‘ankle’
lymphoma, lymphosarcoma – malignant tumor
that arises from cells of the lymphoreticular system.
Commonly presents with swollen lymph nodes, masses,
enlarged liver or spleen, fevers, weight loss.
M
malignant –tending to become progressively
worse and result in death
mastitis – inflammation of the mammary
gland, usually due to bacterial infection.
mastocytoma, mast cell tumors – a growth
of mast cells (cells in the dermis which is directly
beneath the outer skin layer, which release histamine
to counter allergens). These tumors may become malignant.
(Note: in BMDs, always assume they are malignant!) http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/mastcell.htm
megaesophagus – overly enlarged esophagus
causing buildup of food and saliva and regurgitation.
Associated with aspirative pneumonia from an early age.
meningitis – not a disease, but a symptom,
the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain
and spinal cord, the meninges. This can be caused by
bacteria, virus, fungi, or chemical toxins.
- aseptic meningitis - is inflammation of
the meninges for which no identifiable infectious
agent can be cultured or tested for, and is probably
genetic.
mitral valve defect – a defect in the
heart valve that separates the left atrium and the left
ventricle.
murmur – an abnormal heart sound associated
with the opening or closing of a heart valve. This may
indicate a structural or functional abnormality.
N
O
optic nerve hypoplasia – incomplete development
of the optic nerve.
osteochondritis dessicans, OCD - a piece of
cartilage tears away forming a flap. The flap may reattach
to the bone on its own, or it may tear away, becoming
a joint mouse in the joint cavity. Symptoms include
pain and limping. Often requires surgery. http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/ocd.htm
P
pain, chronic – persisting for a long time
pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas
due to a variety of causes such as infections and drugs.
The pancreas produces enzymes and bicarbonate important
in digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as
insulin. Chronic, severe pancreatitis can result in
malabsorption and diarrhea as well as diabetes mellitus.
panosteitis, pano – inflammation of the
bone, particularly the long bones in growing dogs. Causes
pain and limping. http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/lpano.htm
patellar luxation – dislocation of the
‘knee’ cap, causing mild to severe, continuous
or intermittent pain. http://www.escape.ca/~rcamken/page8.html#Patellar
patent ductus arteriosus, PDA – the normal
opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery, which
allows blood to bypass the unoxygenated lung in utero,
fails to close after birth.
pemphigus foliaceus – 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.
pica – chronic eating of non-food materials.
pituitary gland – 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.
plasia – growth
polyarteritis nodosa – an inflammatory
disease of small and medium sized arteries.
portosystemic shunt, PSS – abnormal blood
vessels in the liver preventing normal circulation and
functioning of the liver.
progressive retinal atrophy, PRA – any
of a number of inherited diseases of the eye leading
to blindness. Generally starts with difficulty seeing
in the dark followed by a loss of vision in the daylight.
In the BMD it is an autosomal recessive trait. http://www.bmd.org/pra.html
prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate
gland.
pyoderma – any purulent (containing or
forming pus) skin disease
pyometra – pus accumulation in the uterus,
normally caused by bacterial infection.
Q
R
recessive - requires a copy of the gene from both
parents to exhibit the trait. Having only one copy of
the gene makes the dog a carrier of the trait, and he
will never exhibit the trait – unless the gene
is located on the ‘X’ or sex chromosome. sarcoma
– tumor formed of connective tissue cells: bone
cartilage, muscle, blood vessel, or lymphoid tissue.
registry - A database of health information
- open registry - repository of health test
results, allows full access to the information.
- closed registry – repository of health
test results, but allows access of information only
about normal results.
- Berner-Garde - Bernese Mountain Dog data
repository used to track health trends and provides
reports about a dog’s family on request. Independent
foundation, not part of the BMDCA. http://www.bmd.org/bg1.html
- OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals,
closed registry of hip, elbow, heart, thyroid, and
other results. http://www.offa.org/
- GDC – Institute for Genetic Disease
Control, open registry reporting orthopedic and ophthalmologic
evaluation reports, tumor, epilepsy, heart registry
and some other breed specific health information.
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/gdc/gdc.html
- PennHIP - Penn Hip Improvement Program -
closed registry of hip laxity measurements. Uses a
DI (distraction index), a number from 0.0 - 1.00 with
the lower the number the better the hip. http://www.vet.upenn.edu/pennhip/
- CERF - Canine Eye Registry Foundation - closed
registry of eye test results. http://www.vet.purdue.edu/~yshen/cerf.html
S
sarcoptic mange – skin disease characterized
by extreme itching, hair loss, and secondary infection.
Usually widespread, but often seen on the belly and
inner thighs. Can be treated, but spreads easily.
sebaceous adenitis – inflammation of the
sebaceous glands (found at the base of hair follicles).
seborrhea – abnormal secretion of the
sebaceous glands at the base of hair follicles causing
anything from dandruff to greasy scales and crust.
selective IgM deficiency – a deficiency
in the production of the IgM antibody, one of the body’s
five classes of immunoglobulins, the proteins produced
as antibodies to fight infection and toxins.
snow nose – loss of pigmentation on the
nose, usually in winter.
spinal myelopathy – disease of the myelin,
or covering (sheath) of the spinal nerves (the spinal
cord).
staphylococcus, staph – a type of bacteria.
Normally found on the skin and upper respiratory tract,
but can occasionally cause localized suppurating infection.
stenosis – a narrowing or contraction
of an opening.
- aortic stenosis – obstruction of the
blood flowing from the left ventricle to the aorta.
- mitral stenosis – narrowing of the
mitral valve that separates the left atrium and the
left ventricle.
- pulmonary artery stenosis – narrowing
of the outflow from the lungs.
- subaortic stenosis – narrowing of the
aorta just below the semilunar valves. Severity increases
with age. http://www.escape.ca/~rcamken/page8.html#SUB-AORTIC
STENOSIS
stones – a mass, usually formed from mineral
salts, occurring within the hollow organs: kidney, gallbladder,
urinary bladder.
systemic lupus erythematosis, SLE – an
autoimmune disease in which the immune system sees its
own body as foreign matter. Characterized by polyarthritis,
hemolytic anemia, skin disease, among many other symptoms.
T
thrombocytopenic purpura – is a disease characterized
by the formation of platelet clots in the microcirculation
(very small vessels). Exact cause is unclear but thought
to be due to infections, inherited conditions or immunologic
abnormalities. Results in bleeding with a low platelet
count, anemia, neurologic symptoms kidney disease and
fever.
thyroid – the largest of the hormone secreting
(endocrine) glands located in the neck; it regulates
metabolism.
- hyperthyroid – excessive production
of thyroid hormones, often seen in older dogs, causing
excessive thirst, weight loss, increased appetite
and restlessness.
- hypothyroid – decreased production
of thyroxine, causing poor coat, weight gain, mental
dullness, fatigue, cold intolerance, and infertility.
tricuspid valve defect – a defect in the
heart valve that separates the right atrium and the
right ventricle.
U
ununited anconeal process, UAP – the anconeal
process never unites with the ulna, can detach and form
a loose body in the joint, called a joint mouse. See
elbow dysplasia. http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/elbows.htm
uveodermatologic syndrome, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like
syndrome – depigmentation of the skin and hair,
and of the nose, lips, eyelids, footpads and anus. (In
humans this disease is believed to be immune-mediated.)
V
von Willebrand’s disease – von Willebrand’s
disease – deficiency of coagulation factor VIII
causing prolonged bleeding time. This can be an autosomal
dominant trait, but Bernese Mountain Dogs have Type
I, which is an autosomal recessive trait.
W
X
Y
Z
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