Veterinary Medical Terminology Explained

Veterinary medicine, much like human medicine, has its own terminology. This terminology is the language of the veterinary profession. It is used to record medical records, communicate with other veterinarians, and in medical journals and articles. It is essential to have a a strong basic veterinary vocabulary in order to properly interpret, communicate and understand the veterinary world.

Word Parts

The first step is to understand the basic medical word parts:

Prefix- A syllable, group of syllables, or word joined to the beginning of another word to alter its meaning and create a new word.

Example: anti- : meaning against

Suffix- A syllable, group of syllables, or word added to the end of another word to alter its meaning and create a new word.

Example: -oma: meaning tumor

Root Word- The part of the word that is the basis (or word base) for the meaning of the word.

Example: Cardi- : (root word ) for the heart

Combining Vowel- The vowel, usually an o, used to connect a word or root word to its appropriate suffix.

Combining Form- A word or root word that may or may not use the connecting vowel o when it is used as an element in word formation. It is the combination of the root word and the combining vowel.

Compound Word- Two or more words combined to make a new word.

Example: Horsefly: combination of the words horse and fly

Word Construction

These are some of the basic rules and examples of combining words in veterinary terminology:

Use of Prefix

The prefix is attached to the beginning of the root word to form the altered or new word.

Example: de- + horn = dehorn: meaning to remove the horns

Use of Suffix

The suffix is attached to the end of the root word to form the altered or new word.

Example: Thyroid + -ectomy = Thyroidectomy: meaning the removal of the thyroid gland

Compound Word

Two words that are combined together to form a new word.

Example: blood + worms = Bloodworms: meaning worms (nematodes) that inhabit a main artery of the intestines in horses.

Use of Prefix and Suffix Combination

When no root word is used.The prefix is added directly to the suffix.

Example: dys + uria = dysuria: meaning trouble urinating

Use of Prefix, Root Word, And Suffix

Words formed by adding both the prefix and suffix to the root word.

Example: Peri - + cardi- + -al = Pericardal: meaning in the area surrounding the heart.

Combining Forms

There are certain rules pertaining to the use of combining forms and the combining vowel o, which are as follows:

- If the suffix begins with a consonant, use the combining vowel o with the root word ( the combining form), to which the suffix is added.

Example: Cardi/o (combing form for the heart) + -megaly (meaning enlargement of) = Cardimagaly: meaning enlargement of the heart

-Do not use the combining vowel o when the suffix begins with a vowel

Example: Hepat/o (combining form for the liver) + -osis ( a condition, disease, or morbid process) = Hypatosis: meaning disease occuring in the liver.

* The combining vowel o is not used, if it was there would be more than one o

Remember as in all fields of medicine spelling is incredibly important. It is also crucial that the correct pronunciation is used. This has been a very basic overview of the key points that will help create a strong foundation while building you veterinary vocabulary. The next step is learning the meaning of common prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Good luck!