Vet Terminology starting with N on Bruning.com – from Nauplii to Nystagmus

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Nauplii –
Newly hatched brine shrimp.

Nebulize –
Convert into a fine spray form.

Necropsy –
Postmortem examination.

Necrosis –
The death and breakdown of cells.

Nematodes –
A common name for any roundworm of the phylum Nematoda.

Neoplasia –
Abnormal growth and accumulation of cells. Neoplasias may be benign or malignant.

Nephropathy –
Any disease or abnormal functioning of the kidney.

Nephrotoxic –
Destructive to kidney cells.

Neuropathy –
Abnormal functioning of nerves.

Neurotransmitter –
Chemical used as a messenger from one nerve cell to another.

Neuter –
Sterilization by surgical removal of the testicles of a male animal or ovaries of a female animal.

Neutralize –
To change from acidic or alkaline to a neutral pH.

NIDDM –
Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM): A type of diabetes mellitus in which although the blood glucose levels are higher than normal, they are not immediately life-threatening, and the animal can survive without supplemental insulin. Also called Type II diabetes.

Nocturnal –
Animals that are active during the night and sleep during the day.

Nodule –
Solid bump or lump in the skin that is over 1/3 inch in diameter.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory –
NSAIDS: Agents which reduce inflammation, but are not in the class of drugs known as steroids. Examples include aspirin, Rimadyl, and phenylbutazone.

Noncore vaccine –
Vaccine which should only be given to animals at increased risk of exposure to a disease, example, leptospirosis in dogs or feline leukemia in cats (see core vaccine).

Nonpathogenic –
Not causing disease. Some bacteria, such as those that normally live in an animal’s intestines, are nonpathogenic.

Nonseptic –
A condition not caused by an infection. For example, septic arthritis is caused by an infection with bacteria, yeast, or other agent; a case of nonseptic arthritis may be caused by injury or cancer.

Nucleated erythrocytes –
Immature form of red blood cells.

Nutraceutical –
A very broad term describing certain components in food (plant or animal) or nutritional supplements, which contain substances normally present in the body that aid in the proper functioning of body systems.

Nutrient –
Compounds in foods which are essential for life. Nutrients include protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, etc.

Nystagmus –
Constant involuntary movement of the eye, often from side to side.