Term | Meaning |
abortion | premature expulsion of a fetus, wither by nature or by intent |
albino | genetic trait causing lack of pigment in the skin or hair |
artificial insemination | introduction of semen into the uterus by other than natural means |
bitch | a female dog |
caesarean section | removal of unborn young from the mother by surgical incision into the uterus |
castration | removal of the testicles; neutering a male animal |
chromosome | bodies found within the cell nucleus which store genetic information |
colostrum | first milk secreted by the mother after giving birth, containing high protein and necessary antibodies for the newborn |
congenital | condition existing at birth, but no hereditary |
embryo | undeveloped fetus; the young in an early stage of development |
estrus | heat cycle, including the phases proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus |
fertilization | union of the sperm and the egg |
fetus | unborn developing animal |
gene | part of chromosomes carrying hereditary information |
genitalia | parts if the reproductive anatomy |
gestation period | time between conception and birth of an offspring |
gravid | descriptive of a uterus during pregnancy |
hereditary | information passed from generation to generation |
inguinal hernia | protrusion of tissue through inguinal canals of males |
mammary glands | glands of female mammals that secrete milk after giving birth |
monestrous | having one heat period per year |
neuter | removal of the reproductive organs |
oviparous | animals whose eggs develop outside the mothers body |
ovoviviparous | animals whose eggs develop within the mother's oviduct |
placenta | organ within the gravid uterus and expelled after birthing |
polyestrous | having more than one heat period per year |
pregnancy | condition in which offspring develop in the female uterus |
prepuce | protective sheath covering the penis |
spay | removal of the ovaries and uterus; neutering a female animal |
umbilical cord | vessel connecting the fetus to the placenta |
vagina | female passage for copulation and birthing |
viviparous | giving birth to live young developed in the uterus |
whelp | giving birth to, said especially of dogs |