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| Glossary - GLOSSARY of TERMS - WELCOME to CANINE CORNER - Canine Corner | ||||||||||||
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Robi Pack Leader 
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Anal glands/sacs: Anal glands are two small glands or sacs located on either side of the anus. The purpose of the anal glands is known to be the application of pheromone-rich secretion to the outside of the stool in order to mark territory- this is an important function in roaming animals. Anemia: is the condition in which there are fewer red blood cells than normal. Artificial selection: The process of change and variation in a species by human intervention. Arrhythmia: Is an abnormal heartbeat. Body language: Communication without words. Dogs communicate using body postures, as well as vocalizations. Breed: A variety of animal within a species. There are many breeds of dogs, but they all belong to the same species (Canis familiaris). Canid (family Canidae): A member of the carnivorous family of mammals called Canidae, which includes foxes, wolves, dogs, jackals and coyotes. Carnivore: An animal whose diet consists mainly or entirely of meat. Carnivores are usually predators and hunt other animals. They are well-adapted for hunting and have strong jaws and teeth. Some carnivores will eat plant material as well as meat. Crepuscular: Active during the evening and early morning hours. Crossbred dogs: Dogs that have bred randomly rather than through artificial selection. Domesticate: To change from a wild to a tame state. Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a condition arising from extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit), which leads to nervous system abnormalities (such as lethargy, weakness, collapse or coma). Hip Dysplasia: is a developmental orthopedic disease in which an abnormal formation of the hip leads to looseness in the hip joints, causing cartilage damage. Endodontic Disease: Is the hidden disease in the mouth that usually results in long term low grade pain. Since animals have few "cavity problems" the number one cause of endodontic problems is broken teeth. This will ultimately end up as a serious condition for the animal resulting in infection and tooth loss. When an animal breaks a tooth and exposes the pulp or "nerve" on the inside of the tooth the first thing the animal experiences is acute pain. This pain will eventually subside and become dull pain as the pulp on the inside of the tooth becomes infected and dies. This infection continues down the inside of the tooth to the tip of the root where it enters into the body. Once inside the body the infection can spread to the rest of the organs. The reason the disease is hidden and takes so long to become evident is that the animals defense mechanism does its best to control the infection at the base of the broken tooth. However, the bacteria most always prevail and the infection becomes huge. Once the signs of swelling and drainage occur the chances of successful treatment are reduced because of the extreme amount of damage done to the internal structures supporting the tooth. Gingivitis: (gum disease) Inflammation of the gum tissue. Heart failure: Is the result from the heart's inability to pump blood at a rate required to meet the body's needs. Hemolytic anemia: Is a disease process in which the red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen and impart a red color to blood, are destroyed, resulting in a decreased number in the bloodstream. Red blood cells supply the body with oxygen, so when there are fewer of them, the animal lacks energy and tires quickly. Hemolytic anemia is often a rapidly life-threatening condition. Natural selection: The mechanism of change and survival influenced by adapting to environmental factors. Nocturnal: Active at night. Mammary tumors: A lump or bump in the teat (breast) area. Approximately 50% of tumors formed by female dogs are benign. Noone can tell by looking at a tumor which it is, the tumor must be removed or a part of the tumor must be biopsied. A laboratory can determine whether the tumor is benign(non-cancerous) or malignant(cancerous) based on the cells and their architecture within the tissue. Males (though rare) can also form tumors in the teat areas. Omnivore: An animal that will eat both plants and meat. osteoarthritis: Is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that is caused by the progressive inflammation and deterioration of the cartilage, bone, and soft tissue of one or more joints. Pack: A group of closely related animals that live and hunt together. Periodontitis:(periodontal disease) Is the most common dental problem for dogs. It is caused by plaque, a mixture of bacteria, food debris, and cell mucus. It forms a milky-white film on the teeth and gums. As plaque gets into pockets under the gumline, bacteria eats away at the bone that holds the teeth (called resorption of the bone). When mixed with saliva in the mouth, plaque turns into tartar, which can stick to the teeth like cement. Pyometra: Is a uterine infection where the uterus fills with pus. Purebred Dog: Dogs bred from members of a recognized breed over many generations through artificial selection. Separation Anxiety: Dogs are social animals that form strong bonds with people, so it is not surprising that they may feel somewhat anxious when separated from their social group. Most dogs adapt well to the typical daily separation from their owners. Unfortunately, problems can arise when an overly dependent dog develops a dysfunctionally strong attachment to her owners. The dog with separation anxiety is distinguished by signs of distress when left alone and over-attachment when the owner is present. Separation anxiety may be manifested as destruction of the owner's property and other behaviors that may be harmful for the dog or annoying for people sharing the dog's immediate environment. It is important to realize that dogs with separation anxiety are not doing these things to get even with the owner for leaving, out of boredom, or due to lack of obedience training. These dogs are not being destructive out of "spite" or "anger." They are truly distressed when left behind. Consider instead that the dog's dependence on the owner is so great that she becomes anxious when the owner leaves. The dog must find an outlet for this anxiety, and her methods of doing so may cause considerable damage. Also consider that, no matter how flattering a dog's constant attention to her owners may seem, it is not fair to the dog to allow her to be so stressed by the owner's absence that she must resort to one of these unwanted behaviors to alleviate inner tension. For some dogs, the anxiety associated with being left alone becomes evident to their owners soon after they join the household. In some cases, dogs may be genetically predisposed to anxiety but inappropriate or insufficient socialization experiences during the juvenile period is the most likely cause. For some dogs, no initiating trigger can be identified. Symptoms of separation anxiety may develop gradually over time or may appear in full-blown form the first time they are left alone. The onset of separation anxiety sometimes occurs after the dog is exposed to an experience that disrupts its social bond. This can occur when owners board the dog for vacation or change their work schedule. It may also occur when a household member leaves or dies, or when the dog is relocated to a new house or household. Overly indulgent owners may promote separation distress in predisposed dogs. Owners of dogs that show separation distress are often nurturing, empathetic people who indulge their dog. They allow the dog to follow them around the house and encourage the exuberant welcome the dog gives them when they return home. Somewhat less-nurturing (but by no means neglectful) owners may help instill independence in the dog thus circumventing the worst throes of the problem and permitting its gradual resolution. Separation anxiety may be confused with other separation-related behavior problems that occur in the owner's absence. A lack of stimulation leads some dogs to engage in excessive and destructive "exploring," barking and other nuisance behavior. This type of problem does not necessarily indicate a dysfunctional bond with the owner.
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