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

596 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Nystagmus A rhythmic movement of the eyeballs in which the eyes slowly
wander a few degrees in one direction and then jerk back. Seen in dogs with
diseases of the inner ear and brain.
Occlusion An obstruction or closure of a passageway or vessel.
Occult Not evident by clinical signs.
OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a group that certifies dogs are
screened for certain inheritable health problems, such as hip dysplasia.
Off-label Using a medication in a dog that is not approved by the FDA for
use in dogs. This may be a drug that is in common use for another species and
it simply is not financially viable for a company to go through FDA testing.
Opacity Loss of transparency of the cornea or lens of the eye.
Organisms Living members of the animal or plant kingdom; usually refers
to bacteria, viruses, and other small one-celled beings.
OTC Over-the-counter; refers to drugs.
Ovariohysterectomy Removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female dog.
Also called spaying or OVH.
Oviduct The tube that carries the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
Ovulation
oviduct.
The process during which the egg follicle releases the egg into the
Palliation
palliative.
Treatment that affords relief but not a cure. The adjective is
Palpation Feeling, pressing on, and examining the body with the hands.
Papule A small bump on the surface of the skin, varying in size from a pinpoint
to a split pea.
Parturition Giving birth; the period covered by labor and delivery.
Pathogenic Having the potential to cause disease.
Pathogens Agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are capable of
causing disease.
Pedigree The written record of a dog’s genealogy, covering three generations
or more.
Perianal The glands and skin structures surrounding the anal opening.
Perineum The area extending from the anus to the bottom of the vulva in
the female, and to the scrotum in the male.
Peristalsis Rhythmic contractions that propel ingested foods and liquids
from the mouth to the anus.
Peritonitis Inflammation or infection of the peritoneal or abdominal cavity.