Which term refers to diseases that have a rapid onset and brief duration?

The term that refers to diseases characterized by a rapid onset and brief duration is "acute." Acute diseases typically manifest quickly, often presenting symptoms suddenly and intensely, but they are usually short-lived. This classification is important in the medical and veterinary fields to help determine treatment strategies and management.

Acute conditions can be contrasted with chronic conditions, which develop slowly and persist over a long duration. Peracute conditions may have an even more rapid onset than acute but are less common and often indicate very urgent health issues. The term local refers to diseases or conditions that affect a specific area of the body rather than the whole organism. Understanding these distinctions helps in pinpointing effective care and intervention strategies for affected animals.