Iatrogenic
Diseases or conditions caused by medical treatment or procedures.
Ichthyosis
A skin condition that causes dryness and scaling in pets.
Idiopathic
A term used when the cause of a disease is unknown.
Ileus
Intestinal paralysis causing digestive issues in pets.
Immune System
The body’s defence against harmful invaders is crucial to a pet’s health.
Immunoglobulin
Antibodies in the blood that help pets fight infections.
Imprint
Young animals bond closely with caregivers.
Inbreeding
Breeding within a limited gene pool potentially leads to genetic defects.
Incisor
A type of tooth, often referring to the sharp front teeth in pets.
Incontinent
When a pet cannot control its bladder or bowel movements.
Indoor Enrichment
Toys and activities stimulate indoor pets.
Induced Ovulation
Female pets ovulate after mating in some species.
Induced Parturition
The process of medically inducing labour in pets.
Infestation
The presence of parasites like fleas, ticks, or mites on pets.
Inhalant Anesthesia
Lung anesthesia is standard in veterinary procedures.
Inoculation
The process of vaccinating a pet against disease.
Instinctual Behaviour
Natural behaviours that pets exhibit are often linked to survival or breeding.
Instinctual Bond
The natural bond pets form with their caregivers or other animals.
Instinctual Prey Drive
The innate hunting or chasing behaviour is often seen in dogs, mainly breeds like terriers.
Insulinoma
A tumour that produces excess insulin is typically found in pets such as dogs and ferrets.
Intermittent Fasting
A pet feeding strategy involving fasting periods is often used for weight management.
Interspecific Aggression
Aggression exhibited by one species toward another species (e.g., a dog toward a cat).
Intestinal Flora
The community of bacteria that live in a pet’s digestive system contributes to gut health.
Intraspecific Conflict
Aggression or fighting between members of the same species is often seen in multi-pet households.
Intravenous
This refers to the administration of fluids or medications directly into a pet’s veins.
Invasive Species
Non-native species that negatively affect local wildlife and pets, like certain reptiles.
Invertebrate Pets
Pets without a backbone include insects, spiders, and certain mollusks.
Iridescence
The shimmering, rainbow-like effect is seen in specific pet coats (e.g., some bird feathers).
Iridology
A controversial practice sometimes used in alternative pet health treatments is analyzing the eyes to diagnose conditions.
Isolation Protocol
Keeping a pet separated when it has a contagious illness to prevent spread.