kennel cough: A highly contagious respiratory infection, also known as tracheobronchitis, that affects the trachea and the bronchial tubes and is characterized by a distinctive, high-pitched cough.
killed virus vaccine (Kv): A vaccine containing dead viruses able to stimulate a preventive immune response against future illness.
kink tail: A bent tail resulting from a deformity of the caudal (tail) vertebrae.
kiss marks: Typically tan spotting on the cheeks and over the eyes.
lactation: Female production and secretion of milk via the mammary glands.
leptospirosis: A bacterial infection of the kidney and liver characterized by jaundice, bleeding and fever.
level bite: Also referred to as pincer, equal or even bite, a level bite describes the circumstance in which the upper and lower incisors meet squarely edge to edge.
lick granuloma: A skin condition resulting from persistent licking in a particular area, typically the leg or paw.
line breeding: Mating dogs from different generations of the same bloodline.
liver: A deep reddish-brown coat color. The liver is also a term that refers to the internal organ that cleanses the blood.
luxating patella: Genetic slipping of the kneecap when the joint moves that can result in lameness.
Lyme borreliosis: Also known as Lyme disease, lyme borreliosis is an infectious, tick-borne arthritis caused by spirochete bacteria.
mask: Refers to dark coloration on the foreface.
merle: A marking pattern characterized by marbling of dark patches against light colors.
Molosser: The collective name for several breeds of large working dogs.
monorchid: A male characterized by a single descended testicle.
myiasis: Tissue infestation by fly larvae, i.e., maggots.
Newfoundland: Large breed of dog in the Molosser family originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland; known for sweet dispositions, loyalty and natural water rescue tendencies.
nictitating membrane: The protective, transparent inner or third eyelid that contains the tear ducts.
odd-eyed: Refers to the circumstance whereby a dog has two different-colored eyes.
otter tail: Refers to a round, tapering tail, thick at the root and thinner at the tip with hair parted on its underside.
outcross: Breeding two unrelated dogs of the same breed.
oval eye: Refers to egg-shaped eyes.
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