Vet Terms

Ulcer - A lesion in which the tissue surface is eroded away.

Ultrasound - Ultrasound/ultrasonography: A technique used to get the image of a deep structure within the body by directing ultrasound waves at it and recording the reflections (echoes) from it.

Umbilicus - The area of the body where the umbilical cord is attached; the belly button.

Urate - A chemical compound which contains uric acid and is made by the body, and can form crystals and stones in the urinary bladder. Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of certain proteins.

Urea - Wasteproduct of protein metabolism that is removed from the body by the kidneys.

Urease - An enzyme that breaks down urea. Urea is a wasteproduct of protein metabolism that is removed from the body by the kidneys.

Urinary incontinence - A phrase used to describe the inability to control urination.

Urinary obstruction - A blockage in the urinary system, most often occurring in the urethra, the tube that leads from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.

Urinary retention - A condition in which the urinary bladder does not rid itself of all urine it contains during the process of urination.

Urticaria - Hives; development of small swellings which may itch; usually caused by an allergic reaction.

USP - United States Pharmacopeia - a drug regulating agency.

Uveitis - Inflammation of the eye.