Vet Terms

KCS - Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the technical term for a condition also known as 'dry eye.' It occurs because of inadequate tear production. Symptoms include a thick, yellowish discharge from the eye.

Keratitis - Inflammation of the cornea of the eye; may be caused by infection, trauma, or an allergic reaction.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is the technical term for a condition also known as 'dry eye'. It occurs because of inadequate tear production. Symptoms include a thick, yellowish discharge from the eye.

Keratolytic - Softens and loosens crusts and scales on the skin.

Ketoacidosis - A life-threatening condition in which ketones, which result from the breakdown of fat for energy, accumulate in the bloodstream and the pH of the blood decreases.

Killed vaccine - Vaccines which are made by taking the real, disease-causing viruses (or bacteria), killing them, and putting them into a liquid base. Compare with 'modified live vaccine' and 'recombinant vaccine.'

Kinetic skull - Having mobile joints between various parts of the skull, e.g., being able to unhinge the jaws. This allows the mouth of the animal, e.g., snake, to open wider so that it can eat large prey.

Kit - A baby ferret.