Etiology

Etiology (noun): the cause of a disease. Example: the etiology of a wound on the skin could be trauma, bacterial infection, etc.

Furuncle

Furuncle (noun): a round, painful inflammation of the skin, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Epitope

Epitope (noun): the part of the surface of an antigen that is actually responsible for eliciting the immune response.

Antigen

Antigen (noun): any substance that can stimulate a response by the immune system in which antibodies are produced specifically against that substance.

Palpebritis

Palpebritis (noun): inflammation of the eyelid. Synonym = blepharitis.

Presbycusis

Presbycusis (noun): a loss of hearing due to changes in the ear that occur with old age. Not be confused with presbyopia (a condition of visual impairment) or Presbyterians.

Fomite

Fomite (noun): an inanimate object that can transmit infectious organisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.) from one animal to another. Examples: blankets/bedding, brushes, toys, veterinary staff's clothing.

Welcome to...

my latest and greatest blog, Vet Med Word of the Day!

Brief explanation: as I get further into vet school, I continue to find that veterinary medicine is full of all sorts of fun, strange, and interesting words. I'd like to share a few of them.