A condition in which tissue reacts to injury and undergoes changes during the healing process. As an example, a toe with a sliver of wood in it would be inflamed and show the signs of inflammation which include redness, increased temperature, pain, swelling and a loss of or disordered function. The... ↪ Read more

A term used to describe an invasion of parasites.... ↪ Read more

Something, for instance a drug, hormone or virus, that reduces the function of the immune system of an animal.... ↪ Read more

A compound which stimulates the immune system to work more effectively to kill bacteria, viruses or cancer cells.... ↪ Read more

Reduced function of the immune system of an animal, making it more susceptible to infectious disease. Can be an inherited defect or caused by drugs, radiation or viruses.... ↪ Read more

The process of rendering an animal protected (immune) against a certain disease. Vaccination is a way to produce immunization. However, just because an animal has been vaccinated (received a vaccine) does not necessarily mean the animal is immune. If the body did not correctly react to the vaccine... ↪ Read more

A condition in which the animal's immune system has been primed and is able to protect the body from a disease-causing agent such as a certain virus or bacteria. An animal could have immunity to one agent, such as parvovirus, but not have immunity to another agent, such as rabies.... ↪ Read more

The body's defense system which recognizes infectious agents and other 'foreign' compounds (such as pollen), and works to destroy them.... ↪ Read more

A condition or disease caused by abnormal activity of the immune system in which the body's immune system either over-reacts (e.g., immune-mediated contact dermatitis) or starts attacking the body itself ( e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia). See also autoimmune.... ↪ Read more

Commonly referred to as jaundice. A yellowing of the tissues, usually as a result of abnormal liver function. A synonym for jaundice, a yellow discoloration.... ↪ Read more

A condition, more common in dogs, in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.... ↪ Read more

Inadequate or defective development of tissue. Smaller or softer than normal due to loss of normal tissue. Smaller than normal.... ↪ Read more