Glossary P
A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T U V W Z
Paraplegia Paralysis of the rear end of the body.
Paresis Partial paralysis.
Parturition The act of giving birth.
Pericardium The thin membrane that encloses the heart.
Perinatal The period around birth.
Pheromone A chemical secreted externally by some animals that cause specific responses in other animals e.g pheromones secreted by bitches in heat will stimulate others in close contact to also come on heat.
Prognosis The expected outcome of a disease, condition or operation.
Prolapse Protrusion, to the outside of an abdominal organ e.g. rectal prolapse is a protrusion of rectal tissue through the anus to the exterior of the body.
Prophylaxis Treatment to prevent the onset of a particular disease.
Prosthesis An artificial part e.g. artificial hip joint.
Purulent Containing pus.
Pus A secretion from inflamed tissue, usually sticky and creamy, which contains white blood cells, serum and bacteria.
Put down To painlessly destroy - put to sleep.
Pyrexia Raised body temperature, fever.