Acronyms & Abbreviations
A disease whose risk, frequency, or severity increases with age.
Age-Related Disease (ARD)
A standardized rating system used to assess a pet’s body fat and overall body condition.
Body Condition Score (BCS)
A sudden flare of pain that occurs despite otherwise stable pain control.
Breakthrough Pain (BTP)
The brain and spinal cord.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A condition in which the heart cannot pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs, abdomen, or other tissues.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Chronic deterioration of joint tissues, often used interchangeably with osteoarthritis.
Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
A diagnostic test that measures the retina’s electrical response to light.
Electroretinogram (ERG)
Care provided near the end of life, with emphasis on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
End-of-Life Care (EOL)
A contagious virus in cats that commonly causes upper respiratory disease and oral ulcers.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
The shared priorities that guide treatment decisions based on the patient’s condition and the caregiver’s values.
Goals of Care (GOC)
A condition in which a spinal disc degenerates, bulges, or herniates, causing pain and sometimes nerve or spinal cord compression.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
The pressure created by fluid inside the eye.
Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
The body’s non-fat tissue, including muscle, organs, bone, and body water.
Lean Body Mass (LBM)
A standardized assessment of muscle mass and muscle loss.
Muscle Condition Score (MCS)
Medications that reduce pain, inflammation, and fever without being steroids.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
A disorder involving intrusive thoughts, urges, or repetitive behaviors.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A degenerative joint disease involving joint pain, inflammation, cartilage damage, and reduced mobility.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Available without a prescription.
Over-the-Counter (OTC)
A functional assessment tool used in palliative care to describe activity level, self-care ability, intake, and consciousness.
Palliative Performance Scale (PPS)
The nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
A group of inherited eye diseases that gradually damage the retina and cause progressive vision loss.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
A therapy that uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate tissues and support pain relief or healing.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
Tools used to assess comfort, function, and overall well-being.
Quality-of-Life Scales (QOL Scales)
A range of medically appropriate care options adjusted to the patient, caregiver, and circumstances.
Spectrum of Care (SOC)
An online professional community and clinical information resource for veterinarians.
Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
A sensory structure that detects pheromones and other chemical signals.