Shedding (of organisms), Septic, Veterinary Clinics, Diagnoses, Terms and Drug Handbook Online

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Shedding (of organisms)

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

Septic

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

Separation anxiety

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

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Medications which slow down the ability of nerve cells to absorb serotonin, a neurotransmitter (chemical that serves as a messenger between nerves). Example: Prozac.... ↪ Read more

Seizure threshold

the level of stimulation at which a seizure is produced. Raising the seizure threshold makes it less likely a seizure will occur.... ↪ Read more

Second generation

A description of medications developed from an earlier form of the medication. First generation medications were developed from the original form of the drug; second generation medications are adaptations of first generation drugs; third generation drugs are adaptations of second generation, etc.... ↪ Read more

Secondary response

The faster and greater immune response produced by an animal who has previously encountered that specific antigen. Memory cells are responsible for this more efficient response. Also called 'anamnestic response'.... ↪ Read more

Sebaceous adenitis

Inflammation of a sebaceous (oil-producing) gland. In dogs, sebaceous glands are found on the top of the tail near its base, and at the junction of mucous membranes with skin. In cats, these glands are found on the chin, lip margins and the top of the tail. Inflammation of the sebaceous glands... ↪ Read more

Sclerosis

A hardening of tissue, usually the result of chronic inflammation.... ↪ Read more

Retina

The rear interior surface of the eyeball is called the retina. The retina contains nerve cells referred to as rods and cones. The rods are sensitive to light and the cones to color. The retina receives the light and color and converts them into nerve impulses which go to the brain.... ↪ Read more

Respiratory depression

Decrease in the rate or depth of respiration.... ↪ Read more

Resorption

In pregnancy, a condition in which the fetus dies, and instead of being aborted, the fetal tissue dissolves within the uterus and is absorbed by the mother. The mother will show no outward signs of a fetal resorption.... ↪ Read more