Endocrine System

An endocrine disorder caused by excessive, prolonged levels of cortisol hormone in the body.

An endocrine deficiency where the adrenal glands fail to produce vital steroid hormones (cortisol and aldosterone).

A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production or cellular insulin resistance, resulting in elevated blood glucose.

Inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when digestive enzymes activate prematurely inside the gland itself.

An endocrine disorder in dogs caused by underactive thyroid glands that fail to produce adequate thyroid hormones.

A common endocrine disorder of older cats caused by an overactive thyroid gland that overproduces thyroid hormones, accelerating metabolism.

Abnormally increased thirst and excessive water consumption.

The production and excretion of an abnormally large volume of urine.

An abnormal state of drowsiness, sluggishness, low energy, and reluctance to engage in normal physical activity.

An offensive, foul, or abnormal odor emanating from the oral cavity, typically caused by periodontal disease, oral necrosis, or systemic metabolic illness.

Synthetic glucocorticoid steroid medications used to suppress inflammation, relieve allergic reactions, and manage autoimmune conditions.

An antithyroid drug that inhibits the production of thyroid hormones to manage feline hyperthyroidism.

A synthetic isomer of levothyroxine (T4) used as lifelong daily hormone replacement therapy for canine hypothyroidism.

A panel of blood biochemical tests that evaluates organ function, electrolytes, blood sugar, and metabolic status.

A real-time, non-invasive imaging modality using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal soft tissue organ architecture and fluid.

An endocrine blood test that evaluates adrenal gland reserve capacity by measuring blood cortisol before and after injecting synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone.

An 8-hour dynamic endocrine test that screens for Cushing’s disease and differentiates pituitary-dependent from adrenal-dependent forms.

An inducible enzyme found on the biliary membranes of the liver, bone cells, and (in dogs) induced by steroid hormones.

A quantitative serum immunoassay measuring the total concentration of circulating thyroxine (protein-bound and free T4).

A highly sensitive and specific immunoassay measuring canine pancreatic-specific lipase to diagnose or rule out acute pancreatitis.

A quantitative serum blood test measuring glycated serum protein to evaluate average blood glucose concentrations over the preceding 2 to 3 weeks.

Paired, small endocrine glands located immediately in front of each kidney that produce vital stress hormones, steroid hormones, and adrenaline.

A delicate, V-shaped organ nestled along the stomach and duodenum that has both digestive enzyme (exocrine) and hormone (endocrine) functions.

The largest internal metabolic and detoxifying organ in the body, positioned cranial to the stomach behind the diaphragm.

Paired retroperitoneal organs that filter metabolic waste from the blood, balance fluids and electrolytes, and concentrate urine.

A prescription abbreviation originating from Latin meaning "bis in die," directing a medication to be given twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart.

A prescription abbreviation from Latin "ter in die," directing a medication to be administered three times a day, roughly every 8 hours.

A veterinary prescription abbreviation from Latin "semel in die," directing a medication to be given once a day, every 24 hours.

A clinical medical chart abbreviation indicating that an anatomical structure, organ system, or laboratory test value falls completely within expected healthy parameters.

An informal yet universally recognized veterinary clinical shorthand for "Ain’t Doing Right," denoting vague, non-specific malaise or illness without localized signs.

A prescription abbreviation from Latin "quater in die," directing a medication to be administered four times a day, approximately every 6 hours.

The universal four-part clinical documentation structure used by veterinarians: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.