Glossary

AKC—The American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) is the largest dog breed registration organization in the United States.

Anemia—Reduction of red blood cells that carry oxygen.

Bitch—Female canine.

Cherry Eye—Enlargement of the gland of the third inner eyelid.

Crop—Surgical shaping of the ears.

Dew Claws—Claws high on the inner side of the legs that serve no useful function.

Dock—Shortening of the tail by cutting.

Ectoparasite—Parasite that lives on or within the skin surface.

Ectopian—Drooping lower eyelid.

Emaciation—Severe weight loss due to starvation or disease.

Endoparasite—Parasite that lives within the internal organs or parts of the body.

Entropian—Turning in of either eyelid causing the cilia (eyelashes) to irritate the eyeball.

Hip Dysplasia—A disease of the hip joint where either the ball of the femur bone or the socket into which the ball fits (or both) erode, causing pain and difficulty running, climbing or rising from a sitting or laying position.

Hypoglycemia—Abnormally low concentration of sugar in the blood.

Lethargy—Lack of energy, drowsiness or inactivity.

Luxating Patella—Where the patella (kneecap) slides to the side instead of staying in the grove area that forces it to move vertically.

Mange—Parasitic infestation of mites that burrow under and into hair follicles (note there are two types, Demodectic and Sarcoptic).

Parasite—An organism that lives in or on another organism.

Prolapse—Falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position.

Pustule—Eruption containing pus, such as boils or pimples.

UKC—The United Kennel Club (www.ukcdogs.com) is the oldest dog breed registration organization in the United States.

Watchdog—Term used to denote a canine that will bark to warn the owner of a visitor or trespasser.