Glossary

Definitions for terms commonly found on our site

Allele

One of several alternative forms of a gene sequence at a specific Locus.

Alopecia

A condition where some or all hair is lost from the head and/or other parts of the body.

Amino Acid

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.

Anemia

Decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.

Ataxia

The loss of voluntary coordinated movement of the body, indicating an underlying neurologic issue.

Atrophy

The partial or complete wasting away of a part of the body, such as the muscles.

Autosomal Dominant

A pattern of inheritance where an affected dog has one copy of a gene with a mutation and one normal gene. Offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting the disease-causing gene.

Autosomal Recessive

A pattern of inheritance in which an affected dog must have two copies of an abnormal gene to present with the disease or trait.

Cardiovascular

A broad category of diseases that affect the heart and/or blood vessels.

Carrier

A dog that has only one copy of an abnormal gene for a recessive disease. Carriers do not typically show disease symptoms but can pass on the gene to offspring.

Cataract

A clouding of the lens inside the eye that leads to decreased vision.

Cerebellum

A structure in the brain known to control voluntary movements of the body.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Clear fluid in the spinal cord and surrounding the brain that acts as a cushion, protecting the brain and spine from injury.

Chromosome

An organized structure of DNA and protein found in cells, encoding most or all of a dog's genetic information. Dogs have 78 chromosomes (39 pairs).

Collagen

A protein that is the main component of Connective Tissue, including ligaments, tendons, bones, and skin.

Coloboma

A keyhole-shaped defect of the eye present from birth.

Cone Cells

Photoreceptor cells in the Retina responsible for color vision, especially in bright light.

Connective Tissue

A fibrous type of tissue that provides support for other tissues.

Cryptorchidism

Failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum.

Dementia

Progressive cognitive decline, including memory deficits and decreased responsiveness to stimuli.

Dominant Modifier

A gene that alters the expression of another gene, requiring only one copy to influence the trait.

Electroretinogram

An eye test that evaluates the function of Rod and Cone cells in the Retina.

Enzyme

Complex proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the body.

Exon

The segments of a gene whose sequence is expressed as messenger RNA and usually translated into a protein.

Glaucoma

Increased pressure within the eye.

Haplotype

A series of alleles found at linked loci on a single Chromosome.

Hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles at a particular Locus.

Homozygous

Having identical alleles at a particular Locus.

Hyperparathyroidism

Over-secretion of the parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid glands.

Hypocalcemia

Insufficient amount of calcium in the blood.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar.

Hypomineralization

Insufficient levels of minerals, typically referring to bones and teeth.

Hysterectomy

Removal of a female dog's uterus.

In Utero

Before birth; in the uterus.

Inclusion Bodies

Aggregates of protein in a cell visible under a microscope.

Incomplete Penetrance

When an individual has a Mutation but does not show signs of the disease.

Locus

The specific site of a gene on a Chromosome.

Lysosomal Storage Disorder

A group of metabolic disorders caused by the absence of a specific Enzyme, leading to abnormal accumulation of substances in the body.

Melanin

A natural pigment that gives color to hair, skin, and the iris of the eye.

Metabolic Acidosis

Occurs when the body produces too much acid or when the kidneys fail to remove enough acid.

Mitochondrial Inheritance

A pattern of inheritance where traits are passed down from the mother through mitochondrial DNA. Male dogs do not pass on mitochondrial diseases.

Mitochondrion

A cell organelle responsible for energy production, containing its own DNA (mtDNA).

Mucous Membrane

A mucus-secreting tissue lining the mouth, nose, genitals, esophagus, and rectum.

Multigenic Associative Markers

Genetic variations in multiple genes associated with a disease or trait but not the direct cause.

Musculoskeletal

A broad category of diseases affecting muscles and/or bones.

Mutation

A change from the normal form of a gene.

Myelin

An insulating layer of protein and fat that surrounds nerves, aiding rapid signal transmission.