Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

GLOSSARY • 589
Depigmentation Loss of dark color in the skin caused by destruction of
melanin-producing cells. Depigmented areas are shades of white.
Depression A marked decrease in activity in which the dog withdraws,
spends most of her time lying down, is disinterested in her surroundings, and
exhibits little or no interest in eating.
Dermis The sensitive connective tissue layer of the skin located below the
epidermis.
Dewclaws Vestigial toes; the equivalent of a fifth digit high on the inside of
each foot. Normally present on the front feet, unless they are removed.
Double dewclaws are required by the breed standard on the back feet of
Briards, Great Pyrenees, and Icelandic Sheepdogs.
Diestrus The third stage in the estrous cycle, also called the luteal phase,
which begins when the female refuses to stand for mating. It lasts, on average,
about 60 days, then merges with anestrus.
Dominant A gene is dominant if it alone is capable of determining the
expression of a particular trait.
Duodenum The first part of the small intestines, after the stomach.
Dysfunction Abnormal performance of an organ or system.
Dysphagia Painful and/or difficult swallowing.
Dysplastic Developmentally malformed.
Dysuria Painful and/or difficult urination.
Early embryonic loss Loss of the productions of conception before 28 days
gestation, often by internal resorption so that no external evidence of the loss
is found.
ECG Electrocardiogram; the readings from an electrocardiograph, which
measures the changes in electrical currents associated with heart activity. An
ECG is used to measure heart function and detect abnormalities. Sometimes
called EKG.
Echocardiogram A test that uses plain and doppler ultrasound (highfrequency
sound waves) to create a computerized image of structures within
the heart and a detail of blood flow. The procedure that uses an echocardiogram
to diagnose heart disease is called echocardiography.
Edema The accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or within an organ.
EEG Electroencephalography; a procedure that records the electrical activity
of the cerebral cortex. It is used to diagnose epilepsy, tumors, and brain diseases.
It is only available at some veterinary referral centers.
Ejaculate The total volume of semen emitted by the stud dog during breeding.
Electrocautery The use of an electric probe to destroy tissue using heat.