antitussive: A medicinal cough suppressant.

arsenic: A poisonous trioxide used most frequently as a weed killer or insecticide.

autonomic nervous system: In vertebrates, this part of the nervous system innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues. These nerves govern involuntary actions such as digestion, glandular secretions, and the regulation of the heartbeat.

body secretion: Any one of a number of substances produced by the body, including but not limited to blood, mucous, saliva, and tears.

cartilage: A translucent, elastic tissue that first composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and is almost entirely replaced by bone during the maturation process. Structures that remain composed of cartilage include respiratory passages and the external ear. Cartilage also serves to cushion joints such as the spine, hips, and knees.

central nervous system: The portion of the nervous system which, in vertebrate animals, consists of the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous system receives sensory impulses from all parts of the body and sends out motor impulses to the limbs. Further, the central nervous system is responsible for the coordination of all other branches of the nervous system.

conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and continues over the forepart of the eyeball).

cytotoxic: Toxic to cells.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Nucleic acids that are the molecular basis of heredity. These structures are located exclusively in cell nuclei and are constructed by a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds. Main structural components include deoxyribose and phosphate.

electrolyte: An ionic conductor important in maintaining a balance in the blood and body chemistry.

electron microscope: An instrument in which a beam of electrons is focused by an electron lens and used to produce an enlarged image of a microscopic object on either a fluorescent screen or photographic plate.

ELISA: Acronym for enzyme-linked immunsorbent assay. Refers to a quantitative laboratory test for an antibody or antigen. During the procedure the test material or sample is exposed to a complex of an enzyme linked to an antibody specific to the disease or substance being tested for. Technology is similar to that found in home pregnancy tests.

enamel hypoplasia: Absence of tooth enamel. This condition results in massive tooth decay if left untreated, as the missing enamel usually supplies a protective barrier against food and bacteria.

encephalomyelitis: A condition characterized by the concurrent inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

enteritis/gastroenteritis: An acute infectious syndrome affecting the stomach lining and intestine. Generally characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps with occasional appearance of nausea, fever, and chills.

epistaxis: Bleeding from the nose.

flagellated: Mobile, propelled by a whip-like "tail".

gastrointestinal tract: Commonly referred to as the GI tract, includes both the stomach and intestines.

glaucoma: A disease of the eye characterized by increased pressure within the eyeball. This increase in pressure may result in damage to the optic nerve and a gradual loss of vision. Visual impairment ranges from slight abnormalities to total blindness.

glossitis: An inflammation of the tongue characterized by loss of the surface papillae, which gives the affected area a smooth, red appearance.

glucocorticoid: Any one of a group of corticosteroids that are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive. Used widely in both human and veterinary medicine, for example as a treatment for the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

heart chamber: One of the four sections of the heart used to aid in pumping blood into or out of the correct veins and arteries.

hemorrhage: A copious discharge of blood from circulatory system (including arteries, veins, and capillaries) to the internal or external tissues. Blood loss is usually severe enough to threaten health or life of the individual. Bleeding can lead to either anemia or, in more severe cases, shock and death. A multitude of diseases and disorders as well as childbirth and various injuries can give rise to hemorrhages.

heritability: Defined as the proportion of observed variation in a particular trait that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors rather than environmental influences.

hyperkeratosis: Abnormal hardening of the corneous layer (or harder parts) of the skin. In the context of canine distemper, refers to the uncomfortable hardening of the nose and footpads seen in advanced or chronic cases.

immunofluorescence: The process of labeling antibodies or antigens with fluorescent dyes in order to demonstrate the presence of a particular antibody or antigen in a tissue preparation or smear.

immunosuppressive disorder: A disease or disorder resulting in the suppression of natural immune responses that are designed to protect the body against infection.

in utero: In the uterus before birth occurs.

inclusion body: An abnormal structure or foreign cell within a cell. Most often, an intracellular body that is characteristic of some viral diseases and is the site of virus multiplication.

incubation period: A period of variable duration between the initial infection of an individual by a pathogen and the appearance of disease symptoms caused by the pathogen.

jaundice: Generally a result of liver disease, results in a yellowish pigmentation of skin, tissues, and body fluid. The yellowish tinge is a result of an excess amount of a substance called bilirubin. During normal breakdown of old red blood cells, their hemoglobin is converted to bilirubin. Usually the excess bilirubin is removed from the bloodstream by the liver and eliminated from the body in bile which passes from the liver to the intestines. Diseased livers are sometimes incapable of filtering the bilirubin and jaundice is the result.

Knott’s test: Laboratory procedure used to detect the presence of microfilariae in a blood sample.

leukopenia: A condition in which the number of white blood cells present in the blood is abnormally low.

limbic system: A group of subcortical structures in the brain that are mostly concerned with emotion and motivation. Involved structures include the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdale.

lymph: A pale fluid that bathes tissues and passes through lymphatic channels and ducts. The solution consists of a liquid that resembles blood plasma and contains white blood cells but does not contain red blood cells.

lymph node: A rounded mass of lymphoid tissue surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. The nodes are distributed along lymphatic vessels and contain numerous lymphocytes that filter the flow of lymph.

lymphatic system: A subsystem of the circulatory system, the lymphatic system consists of a complex network of vessels, tissues, and organs. This network helps to maintain the fluid balance in the body by collecting excess fluid and stray particles from tissues and depositing them in the bloodstream. In addition, it helps to defend against disease by depositing disease-fighting macrophages at sites of infection.

microfilariae: Microscopic larval stage of any of a number of nematodes.

molt: To shed an outer layer during the process of transformation from one form to another.

mucous membrane: A membrane, rich in mucous glands, that lines body passages and cavities.

mutation: A distinct and relatively permanent change in hereditary material. Usually involves either a physical change in chromosome structure or a biochemical change in the DNA making up genes.

myocarditis: An inflammation of the myocardium, or middle layer of the heart wall.

nebulizer: A device that functions to reduce liquid (as in liquid form of medication, usually) to a fine spray for inhalation.

paroxysm: A fit, attack, or sudden increase in or recurrence of symptoms. In the context of coughing, a sudden, violent onset of hard coughing.

pathogen: A specific causative agent of disease. Common pathogens include bacteria and viruses.

pentavalent antimonial: Drugs made with a metalloid element.

peripheral nervous system: Consists of any and all nerves located outside the central nervous system.

polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A laboratory technique for rapidly synthesizing large quantities of a specific DNA segment. The procedure involves separating the DNA into its two complementary strands, using DNA polymerase to synthesize two-stranded DNA from each single strand, and repeating the process until a massive number of identical DNA particles have been synthesized.

promastigote: The mobile form of various bacteria larvae. Propelled by flagella.

pulmonary artery: The artery that transports blood from the heart to the lungs.

radiograph: A picture produced by a form of radiation other than visible light; most often, either X-rays or gamma rays.

reservoir species: Any species of wild animal that harbors a contagious pathogen. These animals are usually highly susceptible to a given disease – more so than members of other species.

respiratory system: The system of organs which allows for respiration. In vertebrates consists of lungs, their nervous and circulatory supply, and the channels by which these are continuous with the outside environment and air.

rhabdovirus: Any member of the viral family Rhabdoviridae. These viruses are rod- or bullet-shaped RNA viruses, are enveloped in a fatty membrane, and may attack both plants and animals. Common diseases caused by rhabdoviruses include rabies and vesicular stomatitis.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Nucleic acids very similar to DNA that contain ribose and uracil as structural components (rather than the deoxyribose and phosphate found in DNA). These structures are associated with the control of cellular chemical activities.

serologic test: A laboratory diagnostic procedure using the reactions and properties of various serums from the blood to make a diagnosis.

urinalysis: A chemical analysis of the urine commonly conducted in a laboratory. Samples are initially examined for characteristics such as color and odor. More complex tests are used to determine acidity and to screen for sugar, ketone bodies, proteins, and bile content.

vector: An organism that transmits a pathogen.

vena cava: A large vein by which air-breathing vertebrates return oxygen-depleted blood to the right atrium of the heart.

villi: Minute finger-shaped projections lining the mucous membrane of the small intestine. Increase the surface area of the intestine and thus increase the efficiency of nutrient absorption.

western blotting: A laboratory technique that produces a blot consisting of a nitrocellulose sheet containing protein. The result allows for identification by molecular probe. This technique is most often used as an accurate method of testing for the presence of specific antibodies.

zoonosis: Any disease which is communicable from animals to humans under natural conditions. In other words, no experimental methods must be undertaken in order to infect humans with the animal form of the disease.