The narrowing of an organ of passage such as a blood vessel or intestine. 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... ↪ Read more

A condition in which the animal exhibits one severe (Grand Mal) seizure right after another, with no time to recover in-between.... ↪ Read more

See Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors... ↪ Read more

Part of the immune system of an animal. A large tongue-shaped organ in the abdomen containing many lymphocytes. The spleen filters blood and removes damaged cells. It can also manufacture new blood cells if the animal's bone marrow is damaged. An organ in the abdomen that stores cells. The spleen... ↪ Read more

A type of bacteria which is long, slender and assumes a spiral shape. Leptospira species and the bacteria that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) are spirochetes.... ↪ Read more

A ringlike band of muscle that constricts a passage or closes an opening, e.g., the anal sphincter constricts to close the anus and relaxes when the animal is passing stool. The urethral sphincter closes the urinary bladder. A structure that closes and opens.... ↪ Read more

Sterilization by surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female animal. Any surgical process that prevents a female cat from becoming pregnant.... ↪ Read more

A condition in which the blood glucose level increases if too much insulin is given. It occurs when insulin causes the blood glucose level to go so low it stimulates the production of other hormones in the body such as epinephrine which promote the breakdown of glycogen (the chemical compound which... ↪ Read more

The type of muscle found in the internal organs such as stomach and intestines (not the heart).... ↪ Read more

A term used to describe the release of organisms (bacteria, protozoa, viruses) into the environment from an infected animal. The organisms may be in the stool, urine, respiratory secretions, or vaginal discharges. The 'shedding' animal may or may not be showing symptoms of disease.... ↪ Read more

A condition caused by an infection e.g., with bacteria or fungi, or toxins they produce.... ↪ Read more

A behavioral condition in which the pet becomes anxious when separated from the owner. Dogs with separation anxiety tend to 'shadow' their owners, greet them exuberantly when they return after being gone, and sometimes vocalize, chew destructively, and urinate or defecate when separated from their... ↪ Read more