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

592 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Grand mal A type of seizure that is typical of epilepsy. It usually involves
loss of consciousness and falling down.
Hackles Hairs on the neck and back; they are raised when the dog is experiencing
fright or anger.
Haw A visible third eyelid at the inner corner of the eye.
hCG Human chorionic gonadotropin, used to induce ovulation.
Head-pressing Pressing the head against the wall or furniture without
apparent purpose.
Heat See estrus.
Hematocrit The percentage of red blood cells in whole blood.
Hematoma A collection of clotted blood beneath the skin at the site of an
injury.
Hematuria The passage of blood in the urine, recognized by red-colored
urine or blood clots in the urine. Microscopic hematuria is the presence of red
cells on microscopic exam.
Hemolytic anemia The disease that results when red blood cells are
destroyed in the dog’s circulation.
Hepatic Referring to the liver.
Histiocyte A cell that is part of the immune system that wanders in the
connective tissue and kills foreign cells, such as bacteria.
Histology The microscopic study of the structure of tissue to determine the
cause of disease.
Hives Small, raised, red, pruritic areas, generally caused by an allergic reaction.
Hydrotherapy Cold water delivered to the site of injury using a showerhead
or nozzle. May also involve warm water pools or underwater treadmills.
Hyperpigmentation A darkening of the skin due to the deposition of
melanin in the dermis. Associated with chronic inflammation of the skin.
Hypertrophy Enlargement of an organ or tissue; an increase in size and
volume.
Hypoxia Lack of oxygen in the blood and tissues. If untreated, it results in
coma and death.
Iatrogenic An unintended disease that results from a medical treatment or
procedure.
Idiopathic A disease or condition for which no cause is known.
IFA Immunofluorescent antibody test; a serologic test used to detect antibodies
to bacteria and viruses.