Veterinary Medicine Key Terms

Be in the know when it comes to popular veterinary medicine key terms

By M. Krasniak, Freelance Writer/Editor

Many people see their pets as members of the family, and seek medical for them in the same manner as they would for their human family members. As with human medical professionals, it is important for veterinary medical professionals to be properly educated and certified in order to safely treat animals. Luckily there are regulating bodies such as the AAHA and the FDA to make sure that veterinary professionals have the proper credentials. That way, if someone's furry family member needs treatment for diseases such as atopy or hip dysplasia, they can feel confident the pet is in good hands. Here are some veterinary medicine key terms to keep in mind when you do any business having involving vet medicines.

AAHA

The AAHA or the American Animal Hospital Association is an organization dedicated to providing support services to small animal hospitals around the country. They have accreditations that ensure that participating animal hospitals are up to their stringent quality of care standards.
Try: The AAHA website is an information-rich resource if you are looking for accreditation practices or other information related to small animal hospitals.

AAVSB

Every state has their veterinary state boards that control licensing and credentialing requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The AAVSB, the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, is the central location where Boards can go to get the national licensing exam scores of individuals applying for jobs, for example, or for laypersons to go if they are interested in the requirements for licensing.
Try: Get more info at the AAVSB website.

CVM

The Center for Veterinary Medicine, or CVM, is part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.) This brand is responsible to the regulations associated with animal care, much like the other branches of the FDA that are responsible for human care. They regulate items such as pharmaceuticals, food processing and ethical issues.
Try: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website has a special page dedicated to the CVM branch of their organization. Check out their site for the latest news in veterinary medicine.

Feline leukemia virus

The Feline leukemia virus is one of the more well-known illnesses in cats, mainly because the is a vaccination that veterinarians recommend. This illness attacks the cat's cells, weakening their immune system and over time, making them more susceptible to other illnesses and infections. It is highly contagious to other cats.
Try: Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine gives a great explanation of Feline leukemia, including the different stages of the illness, what to look for and how to protect a cat.

Atopy

Atopy is skin allergies in animals, often dogs. It is a condition that most often develops in the first two years of the animal's life and characterized by excessive licking and/or chewing, red spots, open sores, and hair loss. The immune system of the animal overexerts itself, therefore making the animal more susceptible to secondary infections if the atopy is not treated.
Try: The Priory Lodge Education website has a comprehensive explanation of atopy, its causes and treatments often administered.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the ligaments, connective tissue and muscle around the hip's ball and socket joint loosen or become lax, and the ball joint and socket rub against each other, causing discomfort, and in severe cases, the inability to walk. Over time, osteoarthritis sets in, causing inflammation and even more discomfort controllable with treatment.
Try: Find more explanation on PetEducation.com about hip dysplasia.