Understanding Your Pet’s Diagnosis: Tackling Complex Medical Terms

When something is wrong with our pets, it creates stress we are not used to dealing with. Understanding your pet’s diagnosis can be challenging because it is tough to hear and accept the news, in addition to hearing complex medical terms you may or may not understand. We want to help you understand some of the more common complex medical terms you might hear. 

Abrasion

An abrasion describes a scrape extending through the very top layer of skin or a few layers. This occurs when the skin is scraped against a surface and not when the skin is sliced or cut. Abrasions can typically be treated topically, but some cases require further attention.

Abscess

This term describes an infection that is usually contained to a specific area and will often be filled with pus. Abscesses can be large or small. Abscesses develop from bacterial infections, often needing veterinary attention to heal. Signs of abscesses include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Fever
• A bad smell
• Pus
• Changes in behavior (like hiding or depression)

Biopsy

Although biopsy is a commonly-used term in veterinary (and human) medicine, it is not always clearly defined. A biopsy occurs when tissue is removed to be further tested and examined to reach a diagnosis. The veterinarian might biopsy your pet if there is a suspicious lesion present. The test results will inform the doctor about the best way to proceed with an animal’s condition.

Carcinoma

A carcinoma is a cancer originating from specific structures in the body. The skin, trachea or bronchi, oral cavity, prostate, bladder, and mammary gland are common sites of carcinomas in pets.

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis is caused when the gums are inflamed due to a buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth. While it is preventable (with home and professional dental cleanings), it must be addressed if it develops. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which can eventually cause significant health issues. Signs of gingivitis in pets include:

• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Trouble eating or drinking
• Weight loss

Pancreatitis

This medical condition occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Typically, digestive enzymes start to break apart food when they reach the intestines. This digestive process sometimes begins when the food is in the pancreas, where the enzymes are produced. Although there is no definitive cause, fatty foods increase a pet’s chance of developing pancreatitis. Obesity, endocrine disorders, age, and a history of the disease can also increase the risk. Without treatment, pancreatitis can cause serious health issues and, in severe cases, could even be fatal. Signs of pancreatitis include:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Tender abdomen
• Fever
• Lethargy

Luxating Patella

The patella is the medical term for the kneecap. If an animal is dealing with a luxating patella, the kneecap has moved away from its usual location. Treatment varies depending on the severity of an animal’s condition, but animals suffering from high-grade luxating patella might need surgery.

Mast Cell Tumor

A mast cell tumor is a common skin tumor, especially in dogs. These can metastasize to other sites in the body, usually via the lymph nodes and lymph channels.

Metastasize

This refers to a malignant tumor’s capability for spreading throughout the body. 

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a cancer that originates in the bones. These are particularly malignant, spreading rapidly through the body.

Palliative Care

Palliative care works to reduce the severity of symptoms and make the patient more comfortable when the condition can be helped but not cured. It is often with a cancer patient or an older pet with problems due to age.

We hope these explanations help you in understanding your pet’s diagnosis. Hopefully, the diagnosis is hopeful and you can get treatment to help them enjoy quality of life and be with you as long as possible. 

The team at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services knows it can be scary when your pet comes to see us. We make every effort to make you as comfortable and as informed as possible during your time with us. From explaining various medical terminology to walking through every step of the treatment process, we are here to give you care you can count on. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call (248) 334-6877.