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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Vet Terminology Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Quick, free veterinary vocabulary quiz with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Omar EldahanUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art veterinary stethoscope syringe paw print heart cross for terminology quiz on coral background

This vet terminology quiz helps you check your understanding of common veterinary terms and spot gaps to review. It is quick and scored, with instant feedback so you know what to study next. Build confidence, then explore a vet quiz, a medical prefixes and suffixes quiz, or an anatomical terminology quiz for extra practice.

What does the suffix '-itis' mean in veterinary terminology?
Pain
Surgical removal
Inflammation
Enlargement
The suffix '-itis' denotes inflammation of a structure or organ, as in dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) or arthritis (inflammation of the joints). It is one of the most common medical suffixes indicating an inflammatory process. Recognizing '-itis' helps veterinarians quickly identify and classify inflammatory conditions.
In veterinary terminology, the prefix 'hypo-' means:
Below or under
Above or excessive
Fast
Slow
The prefix 'hypo-' indicates something is below normal or underdeveloped, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is the opposite of 'hyper-'. Understanding 'hypo-' is essential in diagnosing conditions related to deficiencies.
The root 'hepat/o' in veterinary terms refers to which organ?
Lung
Kidney
Liver
Heart
The combining form 'hepat/o' specifically refers to the liver, as seen in hepatopathy (disease of the liver). This root is derived from the Greek word 'hepar' meaning liver. Accurate recognition of 'hepat/o' aids in identifying hepatobiliary diseases.
What does the prefix 'hyper-' indicate in veterinary medical terminology?
Around
Above or excessive
Normal
Below or under
The prefix 'hyper-' means above normal or excessive, such as in hyperthermia (elevated body temperature). It is the opposite of 'hypo-'. Knowing 'hyper-' helps in identifying overactive or excessive physiological states.
In veterinary terminology, 'cardi/o' is the combining form for which organ?
Heart
Kidney
Liver
Brain
'Cardi/o' denotes the heart, as in cardiology (study of the heart). This root comes from the Greek 'kardia' meaning heart. Recognizing 'cardi/o' is fundamental for cardiovascular assessments.
The suffix '-ectomy' refers to what type of procedure?
Surgical removal
Incision
Repair
Observation
The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal of a body part, such as splenectomy (removal of the spleen). It is a key surgical term in veterinary medicine. Proper understanding ensures accurate communication of surgical procedures.
In veterinary medical terms, 'dermat/o' refers to which body system?
Nervous
Muscle
Bone
Skin
'Dermat/o' is the combining form for skin, as seen in dermatology (study of the skin). Derived from Greek 'derma' meaning skin, it is essential for discussing integumentary disorders. Knowledge of this root is crucial for dermatologic diagnostics.
What does the prefix 'brady-' mean in veterinary terminology?
Double
Slow
Irregular
Fast
'Brady-' indicates a slower than normal rate, such as bradycardia (slow heart rate). It is the opposite of 'tachy-'. Understanding 'brady-' assists in cardiovascular evaluations.
The prefix 'tachy-' in veterinary terms means:
Slow
Around
Fast
Below
'Tachy-' denotes an abnormally fast rate, as seen in tachypnea (rapid breathing). It contrasts with 'brady-'. Proper recognition helps identify acute physiological responses.
What does the root 'oste/o' refer to in veterinary anatomy?
Bone
Joint
Muscle
Ligament
'Oste/o' is the combining form for bone, as in osteoporosis (loss of bone density). It is derived from the Greek 'osteon' meaning bone. Recognizing 'oste/o' is essential for orthopaedic terminology.
In medical terms, the prefix 'epi-' means:
Within
Between
Upon or above
Below or under
'Epi-' signifies upon or above, as in epidermis (outer layer of skin). It helps define anatomical positions. Accurate use aids in the description of surface structures.
The combining form 'neur/o' refers to which system?
Nervous
Circulatory
Digestive
Endocrine
'Neur/o' pertains to nerves or the nervous system, as in neurology. It comes from the Greek 'neuron' meaning nerve. Recognizing 'neur/o' is crucial for neurological assessments.
What does the suffix '-algia' denote?
Pain
Bleeding
Swelling
Blockage
The suffix '-algia' means pain in a specified area, such as myalgia (muscle pain). It is frequently used to describe discomfort locations. Understanding '-algia' helps in clinical pain assessment.
In veterinary terminology, the prefix 'an-' or 'a-' means:
Through
Without or absence of
Before
With or together
The prefix 'an-' or 'a-' indicates absence or lack, such as anemia (lack of red blood cells). It is common in terms denoting deficiency. Recognizing this prefix is key for identifying deficiencies.
The combining form 'myel/o' refers to which structures?
Bone marrow or spinal cord
Muscles
Skin
Connective tissue
'Myel/o' relates to bone marrow or the spinal cord, as in myelopathy (disease of the spinal cord). It helps distinguish between marrow and neural tissues. Correct use is critical in neurohematology.
What does the suffix '-emia' mean in veterinary medical terms?
Enlargement
Surgical removal
Inflammation
Blood condition
The suffix '-emia' refers to a condition of the blood, such as anemia (decreased red blood cells). It describes blood disorders or the presence of substances in blood. Understanding '-emia' is vital for hematologic diagnosis.
What does 'ataxia' describe in veterinary patients?
Excessive thirst
Rapid breathing
Abdominal pain
Loss of coordination
Ataxia refers to a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, often indicating neurological dysfunction. It can manifest as staggering or unsteady gait. Recognizing ataxia is important in neurological examinations.
Cyanosis in animals indicates:
Excessive hair loss
Yellowing of the eyes
Bluish discoloration of mucous membranes
Redness of the skin
Cyanosis is the bluish tint of tissues caused by low oxygen saturation in the blood. It often appears on gums, tongue, and mucous membranes. Detecting cyanosis prompts immediate respiratory or cardiovascular assessment.
What does 'dysphagia' mean in veterinary medicine?
Difficulty swallowing
Increased thirst
Painful limb
Excessive urination
Dysphagia denotes difficulty in swallowing, which may indicate esophageal disorders or neuromuscular problems. It can lead to aspiration pneumonia if severe. Prompt recognition helps determine appropriate diagnostic imaging.
Anisocoria refers to:
Unequal pupil sizes
Inflamed eyelids
Cloudy corneas
Tearing of the eyes
Anisocoria describes a condition where one pupil is a different size than the other, often indicating neurological or ocular disease. It may arise from injury, inflammation, or nerve damage. Evaluating anisocoria is essential during ophthalmic exams.
Hematuria in a patient is identified by:
Blood in the urine
Infection in the bladder
Fat in the feces
High blood pressure
Hematuria refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine, indicating potential urinary tract injury or disease. It can come from the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. Identifying hematuria often leads to further diagnostic testing such as ultrasound.
Polyuria describes:
Decreased appetite
Elevated temperature
Excessive urination
Rapid heartbeat
Polyuria is the production of abnormally large volumes of urine, often seen in diabetes mellitus or renal disease. It can lead to dehydration if not managed. Detection involves monitoring urine output and water intake.
Cachexia in veterinary patients refers to:
High blood sugar
Excessive thirst
Inflamed joints
Severe muscle wasting and weight loss
Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by severe body weight, muscle, and fat loss. It often accompanies chronic diseases like cancer or heart failure. Managing cachexia requires addressing the underlying disease and nutritional support.
Hemiparesis is defined as:
Inflammation of half the limb
Excessive movement
Complete paralysis
Weakness on one side of the body
Hemiparesis indicates partial weakness affecting one side of the body, usually due to neurological injury or stroke. It is less severe than hemiplegia, which is total paralysis. Recognizing hemiparesis is key for rehabilitative planning.
Polydipsia in an animal means:
Excessive thirst
Muscle twitching
Rapid breathing
Frequent vomiting
Polydipsia is characterized by abnormally increased thirst and fluid intake, often associated with endocrine disorders. It frequently accompanies polyuria. Identifying polydipsia prompts investigation for diabetes mellitus or kidney disease.
Neoplasia refers to:
Degenerative joint disease
Blood clot formation
New, abnormal tissue growth
Inflammatory process
Neoplasia is the process of uncontrolled, abnormal cell proliferation, resulting in a neoplasm or tumor. It can be benign or malignant. Early identification is crucial for cancer management.
Urolithiasis is the presence of:
Urinary tract stones
Infection in the bladder
Inflammation of kidneys
Blood clots in urine
Urolithiasis denotes the formation of calculi (stones) in the urinary system, which can cause obstruction and pain. Common in certain dog breeds. Diagnosis often involves radiography or ultrasound.
Endoscopy in veterinary practice refers to:
Visualization of internal organs using a scope
Measurement of blood pressure
Ultrasound imaging
Surgical removal of tissue
Endoscopy involves inserting a flexible or rigid scope into body cavities to visualize internal structures directly. It is commonly used for gastrointestinal and respiratory tract examinations. It is less invasive than open surgery.
What does 'echocardiography' allow a veterinarian to do?
Measure blood pressure
Monitor electrical activity of the heart
Visualize heart structures using ultrasound
Visualize blood cells
Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to create moving images of the heart, allowing assessment of chamber size, valve function, and blood flow. It is noninvasive and critical for diagnosing cardiac disease. It guides treatment decisions for heart conditions.
Gastroscopy refers to the endoscopic examination of the:
Bladder
Stomach
Intestines
Esophagus
Gastroscopy is the procedure of inserting an endoscope into the stomach to evaluate mucosal health, ulcers, or masses. It helps obtain biopsies and treat certain conditions. It is part of a full gastrointestinal workup.
A biopsy in veterinary medicine is:
Measurement of organ size
Removal of a small tissue sample for analysis
Imaging using X-rays
Injection of contrast dye
A biopsy involves removing tissue from a living animal to examine cell structure and detect disease, such as cancer. It is essential for definitive diagnoses. Sample handling and processing are critical for accurate results.
Arthrocentesis is the procedure to:
Measure muscle strength
Visualize the spinal cord
Remove a bone fragment
Collect synovial fluid from a joint
Arthrocentesis involves inserting a needle into a joint space to withdraw synovial fluid for diagnostic analysis. It helps assess joint infections or inflammatory conditions. Proper technique reduces patient discomfort and contamination risk.
What is encephalomyelitis?
Hardening of the arteries
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
Accumulation of fluid in joints
Degeneration of muscle fibers
Encephalomyelitis refers to inflammation of both the brain (encephalo-) and the spinal cord (myelitis). It can be caused by infectious agents, toxins, or immune-mediated processes. Clinical signs include neurological deficits and altered consciousness.
Cholangiography is used to visualize:
Lymphatic vessels
Bile ducts
Pancreatic ducts
Blood vessels
Cholangiography involves imaging the bile ducts by injecting contrast medium, often during surgery or via endoscopic retrograde routes. It helps diagnose obstructions, strictures, or stones. This procedure is key for hepatobiliary investigations.
Polyneuropathy describes:
Excessive growth of muscle
Disease affecting multiple peripheral nerves
Degeneration of the spinal cord
Inflammation of the brain
Polyneuropathy is a condition involving simultaneous dysfunction of many peripheral nerves, leading to weakness and sensory deficits. It can be hereditary, toxic, or metabolic in origin. Diagnosis often includes nerve conduction studies.
What does splenomegaly indicate?
Removal of the spleen
Inflammation of the spleen
Enlargement of the spleen
Hardening of the spleen
Splenomegaly denotes an enlarged spleen, which may result from infection, neoplasia, or hemolytic diseases. It can cause abdominal discomfort or hypersplenism. Diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests help determine the cause.
The term 'iatrogenic' refers to conditions:
Transmitted by animals
Resulting from aging
Caused by medical treatment
Present at birth
Iatrogenic conditions are adverse effects or complications resulting from medical treatment or procedures. Examples include drug side effects or surgical injuries. Awareness of iatrogenic risks improves patient safety.
Nephrolithiasis is the formation of:
Liver cysts
Pancreatic tumors
Gallbladder stones
Kidney stones
Nephrolithiasis denotes the presence of mineral concretions (stones) in the kidneys. These stones can cause obstruction and pain. Diagnosis often involves imaging such as radiographs or ultrasound.
A tracheostomy procedure creates:
Repair of a tracheal tear
A surgical opening into the trachea
Removal of a thyroid gland
An incision into the chest cavity
Tracheostomy involves making an opening directly into the trachea to establish an airway. It is used when upper airway obstruction prevents normal breathing. Postoperative care is critical to prevent complications.
The term 'mandibular' pertains to which structure?
Lower jaw
Cheek
Neck
Upper jaw
'Mandibular' refers to the lower jawbone, or mandible. It is distinct from 'maxillary,' which pertains to the upper jaw. Correct anatomical terms are essential for dental and surgical procedures.
Ichthyosis in animals is a disorder of the:
Heart, causing arrhythmias
Eyes, causing cataracts
Joints, causing stiffness
Skin, causing dry, scaly patches
Ichthyosis is a genetic skin disorder characterized by thickened, dry, and scaly skin due to abnormal keratinization. It affects certain dog breeds. Management focuses on moisturizers and keratolytic agents.
Lissencephaly is a congenital condition characterized by:
Smooth brain surface lacking gyri
Excessive brain convolutions
Inflammation of the brain lining
Accumulation of fluid in the brain
Lissencephaly results from abnormal neuronal migration, leading to a smooth cerebral cortex without normal gyri and sulci. It commonly causes seizures and developmental delays. Imaging via MRI confirms the diagnosis.
Phlebitis is the inflammation of a:
Vein
Nerve
Lymph node
Artery
Phlebitis denotes inflammation of a vein, which can cause pain, redness, and swelling over the vein. It often occurs in areas of intravenous catheters. Management includes removing irritants and supportive care.
An allograft is:
A transplant between members of the same species
A skin graft from the same individual
A transplant from a different species
A synthetic graft
An allograft is a graft of tissue between genetically non-identical members of the same species, such as a bone graft from one dog to another. Rejection risk requires immunosuppression. It differs from autografts and xenografts.
A xenograft refers to:
A synthetic implant
A graft from the same individual
A graft between individuals of the same species
A graft from one species to another
Xenografts involve the transplantation of tissues or organs between different species, such as pig heart valves into dogs. They have higher rejection risks and require careful immunological management. They are distinct from allografts and autografts.
An epizootic disease is one that:
Affects humans only
Affects many animals at the same time
Is always fatal
Is confined to a single animal
Epizootic refers to a disease that spreads rapidly among many animals in a population, similar to an epidemic in humans. Examples include outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry. Disease control measures are critical during epizootics.
Zoonosis describes:
A disease transmissible from animals to humans
A disease only in birds
A genetic disorder in animals
A disease only found in humans
Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, such as rabies or leptospirosis. Understanding zoonoses is key for public health and veterinary practice. Control includes vaccination and hygiene protocols.
Arthroplasty refers to the:
Fusing of vertebrae
Injection into a joint
Removal of bone spurs
Surgical repair or replacement of a joint
Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to reconstruct or replace a diseased joint, improving mobility and reducing pain. It is performed in cases of severe arthritis or joint injury. Postoperative rehabilitation is important for success.
Palatoschisis in veterinary medicine refers to:
Abnormally narrow hard palate
Removal of the palate
Inflammation of the palate
Cleft palate
Palatoschisis is a congenital defect characterized by a cleft in the palate allowing oral and nasal cavities to remain connected. It can lead to feeding difficulties and aspiration pneumonia. Surgical repair is often required early in life.
Osteochondrosis is best described as:
Degeneration of bone and cartilage
Bone infection
Excessive bone growth
Inflammation of joints
Osteochondrosis results from disruption of endochondral ossification, leading to retained cartilage and potential joint flaps. It is common in rapidly growing large-breed dogs. Early radiographic detection guides management and surgery.
An anastomosis is a surgical procedure that:
Connects two tubular structures
Drains fluid buildup
Removes a diseased organ
Closes a wound
An anastomosis creates a passage between two hollow organs or vessels, such as intestinal segments after resection. It is critical for restoring continuity after surgery. Proper technique prevents leakage and stricture formation.
Panniculitis refers to inflammation of the:
Joint capsule
Muscle layer
Bone marrow
Subcutaneous fat
Panniculitis is inflammation of the panniculus adiposus (subcutaneous fat layer), often presenting as firm nodules under the skin. It can be idiopathic or secondary to infections or immune disorders. Diagnosis requires biopsy and histopathology.
Hemiarthroplasty involves:
Partial replacement of a joint
Complete joint fusion
Removal of a limb
Arthroscopic examination
Hemiarthroplasty replaces only one side of a joint (e.g., femoral head in hip). It preserves the other articular surface and allows retained joint motion. It is chosen when only one component is diseased.
Enterolithiasis in veterinary patients is the formation of:
Kidney stones
Stones within the intestine
Bladder stones
Gallstones
Enterolithiasis denotes the development of mineral concretions, often in the large colon of horses, leading to colic. Diet rich in certain minerals predisposes to stone formation. Surgical removal is often required for relief.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Veterinary Terms -

    Recognize and recall essential veterinary terminology used in clinical and animal care settings.

  2. Analyze Term Components -

    Break down medical terms into roots, prefixes, and suffixes to understand their full meanings.

  3. Apply Terminology in Context -

    Use correct veterinary terms when interpreting clinical scenarios and case studies.

  4. Reinforce Learning with Flashcards -

    Engage with veterinary terminology flashcards and trivia to strengthen retention.

  5. Evaluate Knowledge with a Scored Quiz -

    Assess your mastery of veterinary medical terminology through a timed, scored vet science quiz.

  6. Compare Performance with Peers -

    Benchmark your quiz results against others and identify areas for further study.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Directional Anatomical Terms -

    Understanding anatomical directional terms like cranial, caudal, dorsal, and ventral is crucial when taking a veterinary terminology quiz or vet science quiz. A handy mnemonic - "Cats Dance Carefully Down Valleys" (Cranial, Dorsal, Caudal, Ventral) - can help you recall these positions when learning with veterinary terminology flashcards. These terms form the backbone of directional references in surgery and diagnostics.

  2. Prefixes, Suffixes, and Word Roots -

    Master common prefixes (e.g., "brady-" for slow) and suffixes (e.g., "-itis" for inflammation) to dissect complex terms like gastroenteritis or bradycardia on a veterinary medical terminology practice test. Group terms by root and suffix on colored flashcards - using red for inflammation suffixes (like "-itis") and blue for surgical suffixes (like "-ectomy") can boost recall during your next scored vet science quiz. On a practice test, spotting the suffix "-pathy" means disease of a structure.

  3. Species-Specific Organ Terminology -

    Different species have unique digestive organs; for example, ruminants have a four-chambered stomach (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum) unlike monogastric animals in an animal science quiz. Associating each chamber with a flashcard image labeled on a veterinary terminology flashcards set can solidify your recall for scored vet science quiz rounds. Understanding this system will reduce confusion when identifying function during practical labs.

  4. Common Abbreviations and Acronyms -

    Becoming swift with abbreviations like OHE (ovariohysterectomy), DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), and IM (intramuscular) is key to acing a veterinary terminology quiz. Create mini-quizzes listing full terms and their abbreviations to practice for your vet science quiz and livestock medicine contexts. Regularly challenge yourself with a timed vet science quiz app to reinforce these abbreviations under time pressure.

  5. Pharmacological Suffixes and Routes -

    Recognize drug-class suffixes such as "-cillin" for penicillins and "-mab" for monoclonal antibodies while noting administration routes (PO, IV, SQ) on your veterinary terminology flashcards. Practicing these in a timed veterinary medical terminology practice test helps cement knowledge for fast recall in exams or real-world applications. Focus on the most frequent drug classes first to avoid overwhelm during study sessions.

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