Gastrointestinal System

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

A catastrophic medical and surgical emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on its mesenteric axis, cutting off blood supply.

A highly contagious and severe viral illness in puppies and unvaccinated dogs that attacks rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal crypts and bone marrow.

A progressive bacterial infection and inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, leading to bone loss and tooth mobility.

A severe, immune-mediated viral disease in cats caused by a mutation of common feline coronavirus (FCoV).

A serious, zoonotic bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water or wildlife urine that causes acute kidney failure and liver damage.

A microscopic flagellated protozoan intestinal infection causing malabsorptive soft stool, mucus diarrhea, and weight loss.

A yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes), gums, and mucous membranes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

The passive, effortless expulsion of food or fluid from the esophagus or stomach without nausea or abdominal retching.

The active, coordinated muscular ejection of stomach and upper intestinal contents through the mouth preceded by nausea and abdominal contractions.

The passage of dark, black, sticky, tar-like feces containing digested blood originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The passage of fresh, bright red blood in or on the stool, originating from the lower gastrointestinal tract (colon, rectum, or anus).

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

The complete lack or loss of appetite and refusal to consume food.

The abnormal pathologic accumulation of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal distension.

Incessant, painful, or ineffectual straining to defecate, typically caused by colonic or rectal irritation.

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

A neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist antiemetic used to prevent and treat vomiting and motion sickness.

A synthetic nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication with anti-inflammatory bowel properties.

A potent proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that suppresses gastric acid secretion to treat and prevent stomach ulcers and acid reflux.

An H2-receptor antagonist that reduces gastric acid secretion to soothe stomach upset, ulcers, and acid reflux.

A potent bactericidal fluoroquinolone antibiotic targeting bacterial DNA gyrase, used for severe Gram-negative infections.

A tetracyclic antidepressant that antagonizes central presynaptic alpha-2 and serotonin receptors, used as a powerful appetite stimulant.

A potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist antiemetic that blocks peripheral and central serotonin nausea triggers.

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

A non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality using ionizing radiation to produce two-dimensional shadow projections of internal bones, lungs, and organs.

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

A liver enzyme found inside liver cells that leaks into the bloodstream when hepatocytes are damaged or inflamed.

A metabolic waste product of dietary protein digestion and liver metabolism, excreted primarily by the kidneys.

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

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

A microscopic parasitological test utilizing high-density flotation solutions and centrifugal force to concentrate and identify intestinal parasite eggs and cysts.

A dynamic paired liver function test measuring serum bile acid concentrations before and 2 hours after a meal to evaluate hepatic vascular and parenchymal integrity.

A surgical procedure that permanently attaches the stomach to the abdominal body wall to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV / bloat).

A comprehensive medical procedure performed under general anesthesia to scale plaque and calculus above and below the gumline, polish tooth surfaces, and take dental radiographs.

A diagnostic or therapeutic puncture of the abdominal wall using a needle or catheter to aspirate free peritoneal fluid.

A minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure using a flexible video endoscope to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

A minimally invasive diagnostic sampling procedure using real-time ultrasound guidance to direct a fine needle into deep internal organs or masses to harvest cells for cytology.

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.

The muscular tube conveying food and liquids from the pharynx down to the stomach via coordinated peristaltic contractions.

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 medical route abbreviation from Latin "per os," meaning that a medication or food must be administered orally by mouth.

A medical directive from Latin "nil per os," meaning nothing should be given by mouth (no food, treats, or water) for a specified period.

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.

A prescription abbreviation from Latin "pro re nata," directing a medication to be administered only as needed or as circumstances arise.

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