2013 questions Flashcards
(113 cards)
This 25 year old Quarter Horse is presented for evaluation in July in the northern hemisphere. Which one of the following would be the most likely cause of this horse’s abnormal hair shedding?
A-Pituiatary pars intermedia dysfunction
B-Diabetes mellitus
C-Equine metabolic syndrome
D-Infestation with Psoroptes equi
E- Adrenal dependent hyperadrenocorticism
A-Pituiary pars intermedia dysfunction
This horse has pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.
This disorder is characterized by degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the hypothalamus that normally exert an inhibitory action on the pituitary pars intermedia, resulting in functional adenomas in the pars intermedia that produce high levels of adrenocorticotropin hormone.
Clinical signs and laboratory findings include hypertrichosis, poor muscle tone, laminitis, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and increased susceptibility to infection.
This 3-year-old horse presents for evaluation of this dry, horny, wart-like mass on the distal forelimb. This horse also has smaller wart-like lesions on its muzzle. The other young horses in the herd have similar lesions.
Which one of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A - Melanomatosis
B - Pediculosis
C - Papillomatosis
D - Trombiculosis
E - Dermatophilosis
C-Papillomatosis
These are warts, or papillomas, which is related to infection with equine papilloma virus.
Equine papillomatosis occurs most frequently in young horses and are most commonly found on the inner surfaces of the pinna, muzzle, distal limbs, and genitalia.
They are contagious, and since they usually resolve spontaneously, treatment is rarely pursued.
What is the diagnosis?
A - Ketosis
B - Nutritional Muscular Dystrophy
C - Metastatic Calcification
D - Vitamin E Deficiency
E - Vitamin C Deficiency
E-Vitamin C Deficiency
Think scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) when you see hemorrhages SQ in a guinea pig. Look for swollen joints (source of lameness) and a hx of lameness, anorexia, diarrhea, weakness. May be thin with a rough hair coat. See increased vulnerability to opportunistic infections, and sudden death. Follow this link to see the original Merck image of scurvy in a guinea pig
Rx with daily vitamin C 5-10 mg/kg, PO or IM, for 1-2 wk.
AVOID multivitamins! May cause toxicity for overdose of other vitamins. Need minimum 10 mg vitamin C/day (30 mg/day for pregnant sows) in diet.
Metastatic Calcification occurs mostly in MALES
Nutrional Muscular dystrophy and vitamin E deficiency are the same thing- can present like vitamin C deficiency but without diarrhea.
Ketosis is mostly a disease of fat or pregnant animals
During the fall, a 5 year-old standardbred mare from northern California is presented with a 5-day history of depression, partial anorexia and undulating fever between 102-106 F (38.9-41.1 C)..[N=99-101.3 F].
Physical exam reveals mucosal petechiae and icterus. The horse has edematous hindlimbs and appears reluctant to move.
Blood drawn for a complete blood count shows inclusion bodies in the neutrophils.
What is the diagnosis?
A - Equine infectious anemia (EIA)
B - Purpura hemorrhagica
C - Equine ehrlichiosis
D - Equine viral arteritis (EVA)
E - Equine Babesiosis
C-Equine ehrlichiosis
his is one of the 5 classic “anemia / edema “ presentations of horses. (Remember “Big 3 are PEE” Purpura, EIA, EVA; 2 minors are Babesia, ehrlichia (now renamed Anaplasma).
Inclusion bodies in the neutrophils of a California horse with icterus and petechiae and an undulating fever says Equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (EGE).
Originally classified as Ehrlichia equi, but is NOW called ANAPLASMA phagocytophila due to DNA sequencing studies. EGE is a seasonal necrotizing vasculitis (edema, icterus, petechiae) seen in N. California, suspected to be tick borne.
See dependent edema with Equine viral arteritis (EVA), but also should see respiratory presentation (conjunctivitis/pinkeye, rhinitis) +/- abortions.
Equine infectious anemia(EIA) is rarely seen today because of testing programs, but could present this way. Less likely because 92% cases seen around the Gulf of Mexico states (Texas to Florida), Mississippi river valley AND no inclusion bodies.
Purpura hemorrhagica is a type III Antigen/Antibody/Complement complex disease causing vascultis, petechia, purplish discoloration, usually afebrile, with Hx of recent Strangles (Strep equi equi) or bacterin vaccination.
Equine Babesiosis presents more as a hemolytic anemia: seen in the S. USA, endemic in Southern FLORIDA
Which organism determines the minimum temperature needed to pasteurize milk in the United States?
A - Brucella abortus
B - Mycobacterium bovis
C - Listeria monocytogenes
D - Coxiella burnetii
E - Escherichia coli
D-Coxiella burnetii
Temperature of pasteurization is set by the toughest, most heat-resistant organism, which is Coxiella burnetii, the cause of Q fever. If the temperature is high enough, for long enough to kill Coxiella, it will also kill the other organisms.
Historically, bovine TB, (Mycobacterium bovis) was the organism that prompted pasteurization ordinances.
- Brucella* and Listeria can also be transmitted in milk.
- E. coli* is typically a contaminant from unsanitary milking conditions.
Milk pasteurization standards in the United States are detailed in the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Basically, the higher the temp, the shorter the pasteurization time needed. ie: 90 C (194 F) for 0.5 seconds, or 100 C (212 F) for 0.01 seconds. (see item 16p)
Which pair of neonatal calf diarrheas both have public health/zoonotic significance?
A - Colibacillosis, Rotavirus
B - Salmonella, Coccidiosis
C - Cryptosporidiosis, Salmonella
D - Clostridium perfringens, Coronavirus
E - Colibacillosis, Ostertagiasis
C-Crytosporidiosis, Salmonella
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a protozoa implicated in drinking water-associated outbreaks of diarrhea in humans; Salmonellae can infect humans from a number of different sources (turtles, chickens, eggs)
E. Coli can cause human disease, but Ostertagia and bovine rotavirus do not. (There IS a human version of rotavirus, however)
C. perfringens can be found in soil and in the normal gut flora and is not contagious.
This is a corneal abscess secondary to infectious keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye).

What is the most commonly recognized organism that causes pinkeye in cows?
A - Neisseria spp.
B - Colesiota conjunctivae
C - Chlamydophila pecorum
D - Mycoplasma spp
E - Moraxella bovis
E- Moraxella bovis
In cattle, Moraxella bovis is the most commonly recognized cause of infectious keratoconjunctivitis, (“Pinkeye”); Other causes include Mycoplasma spp and Neisseria spp. The severity of infection with Moraxella bovis may increase with infection with IBR or other microbes. Chlamydophila pecorum is the most common cause of pinkeye in sheep.
Five calves are presented with an outbreak of profuse watery diarrhea, all less than 4 days old. The calves are dehydrated and weak.
The night before two other calves died. One had diarrhea, the other did not.
What is the clinical diagnosis?
A - Colibacillosis
B - Coccidiosis
C - Rotavirus
D - Neonatal Salmonella
E - Enterotoxemia
A-Colibacillosis
Colibacillosis is the most likely cause of watery diarrhea and sudden death in multiple calves less than 4 days old. Associated with failure of passive transfer (FPT) and septicemia.
Remember the AGE, SEVERITY and # AFFECTED when looking at calf diarrheas.
The EARLY diarrheas are due to:
Escherichia coli- less than 4 days old, multiple cases.
Rotavirus - 5d-2 wks old, self limiting, multiple calves.
Coronavirus, 4-30d, multiple calves
Enterotoxemia (Clostridium perfringens type C) 2 wks, healthiest, fastest growing calf, hemorrhagic diarrhea, sudden death!
Cryptosporidia, 1-4 wks, diarrhea, tenesmus, emaciation.
LATER diarrheas are:
Neonatal Salmonella-1-2 mos, fever and diarrhea, septicemia, sudden death.
Coccidiosis-older than 21 days and in ALL ages, bloody diarrhea, tenesmus.
What’s wrong with this picture?
A - Left acetabular fracture
B - Sacrococcygeal dysgenesis
C - Megacolon
D - Pelvic fracture
E - Tail root avulsion
B-Sacrococcygeal dysgenesis
This is Sacrococcygeal dysgenesis, an inherited trait in Manx cats. Look for dysgenesis, agenesis of sacrum or other spinal column abnormalities.
May present asymptomatic or with palpable lumbosacral abnormalities and LMN hind limb signs. (Hopping or crouched gait). May see nonprogressive urinary or fecal incontinence, chronic constipation.
Sequelae include recurrent urinary tract infections, megacolon.
NO treatment.
A 3-year old Irish Setter presents with a history of lameness and swelling in the distal forelimb. A radiograph looks like the image below.
What is the presumptive diagnosis?
A - Osteosarcoma
B - Osteomyelitis
C - Panosteititis
D - Osteochondrosis
E - Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
A-osteosarcoma
This is a classic image of Osteosarcoma, a COMMON, aggressive bone tumor typically found in the appendicular skeleton, especially distal radius.
90% have microscopic metastases to lungs by time of Dx, (but less than 10% will have visible thoracic metastasis at time of diagnosis).
Usually, does not cross joint (unlike osteomyelitis, which usually DOES cross joint). Look for soft tissue swelling, periosteal proliferation, sunburst periosteal reaction (33%), possible pathologic fractures.
What are the two main causes of pregnancy toxemia in guinea pig sows?
A - Anemia and hyperkalemia
B - Ketosis and hypertension
C - Hypocalcemia and anemia
D - Hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia
E - Hypocalcemia and thrombocytopenia
B-ketosis & hypertension
The two types of pregnancy toxemia in guinea pigs are-
- Ketosis secondary to a negative energy balance and
- Ischemia due to the uterine compression of the vascular supply of the uterus, GI tract, or kidneys resulting in hypertension.
Clinical signs of pregnancy ketosis are ketone breath, lethargy, incoordination, dyspnea, paralysis, and death. Treatment of pregnancy-related hypertension may require an emergency cesarean section.
Which of the following hays is highest in calcium?
A - Orchard grass hay
B - Barley hay
C - Oat hay
D - Alfalfa hay
E - Bermuda grass hay
D-Alfalfa Hay
Compared to other types of hays, alfalfa tends to be higher in calcium, protein, and energy.
An aged intact female potbellied pig presents for evaluation of abdominal distension. A large mass contiguous with the uterine wall is discovered with ultrasound exam of the abdomen.
Which of the following choices is the most likely cause of this finding?
A - Endometrial hyperplasia
B - Uterine leiomyoma
C - Uterine lymphosarcoma
D - Endometritis
E - Uterine adenocarcinoma
B- Uterine Leiomyoma
The most likely cause of a large uterine mass in an intact female potbellied pig is a uterine leiomyoma. These tumors do not typically metastasize so a cure may be achieved by surgical removal of the uterus.
Follow this link to see more on leiomyomas and other connective tissue tumors
A sandhill crane from a local zoo dies after a period of chronic weight loss and weakness. Nodular lesions are discovered in the liver and spleen.
Which one of the following choices is the most likely diagnosis?
A - Tuberculosis
B - Spirochetosis
C - Histomoniasis
D - Fowl cholera
E - Lymphoid leukosis
A-Tuberculosis
Tuberculosisdue to Mycobacterium avium is the most common cause of these findings. M. avium is challenging to control in zoos and poultry flocks, because treatment may not be effective. A 3-month quarantine of all new additions to the aviary is strongly recommended.
Histomoniasiscan produce caseous lesions similar to that of tuberculosis, but usually only involves the ceca and liver of galliform birds, especially turkeys and chickens. Histomoniasis is also known as blackhead.
A poultry operation has been having problems with sick birds and many have died over the past few months.
A few showed torticollis before death. Some of the currently ill fowl have swollen joints, wattles, and footpads.
One of the broilers with swollen wattles is sacrificed. There is caseous, suppurative material inside the wattle and necrotic lung lesions.
Which one of the following agents is likely involved?
A - Salmonella gallinarum
B - Paramyxovirus
C - Fowlpox
D - Pasteurella multocida
E - Marek’s disease virus
D-Pasteurella multocida
Pasteurella multocida is the causative agent of Fowl Cholera. Older chickens are more vulnerable than are younger chickens.
The description above is of chronic fowl cholera. In acute fowl cholera, there are usually no clinical signs before a large number of birds die.
Classic lesions of Marek’s diseaseare enlarged sciatic nerves and lymphoid tumors. It is a highly contagious disease, but may be subclinical in many cases.
This 25 year old Quarter Horse mare is presented for evaluation in July in the northern hemisphere. She is diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.
Which one of the following medications would be most likely to be beneficial to this mare?
A - Pentoxifylline
B - Isoxsuprine
C - Glucocorticoids
D - Pergolide
E - Methimazole
D-Pergolide
Pergolide is the treatment of choice for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).
PPID is characterized by degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the hypothalamus that normally exert an inhibitory action on the pituitary pars intermedia, resulting in functional adenomas in the pars intermedia that produce high levels of adrenocorticotropin hormone.
Clinical signs and laboratory findings include hypertrichosis, poor muscle tone, laminitis, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and increased susceptibility to infection.
Diagnosis is commonly made by documenting increases in plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone levels in affected animals.
This 3 year old horse is presented for evaluation of these non-pruritic, non-painful face lesions. Most of the other young horses in the herd are also affected, and many of these horses also have lesions in the girth area.
Which one of the following diagnostic tests would be most likely to identify the cause of the lesions?
A - Fungal culture of hair and skin scales
B - Determination of serum antibody response to a regional panel of fungal pathogens
C - Biopsy
D - Testing for antinuclear antibodies in serum
E - Bacterial culture of hair and skin scales
Fungal culture of hair and skin scales.
This horse has dermatophytosis, or ringworm, typically caused by infection with Trichophyton equinum or Trichophyton metagrophytes.
Lesions can start as papular urticaria, but then progress to one or more, usually round, patches of alopecia, scaling, and crusting.
Culture confirms the diagnosis, and the recommended treatment is topical anti-fungal shampoos, although the disease is usually self-limiting.
The disease is highly contagious among susceptible animals and is also potentially zoonotic.
What is wrong with this picture?
A - Posterior synechiae
B - Orbital cellulitis
C - Anterior lens luxation
D - Nuclear sclerosis
E - Cataract

This is Anterior lens luxation. Follow this link to see another lens displacement image- note the aphakic crescent to right side (area of pupil without lens)
Look for an opaque (cloudy, milky) lens behind pupil with cataracts. In contrast, Nuclear sclerosis looks like this.
Orbital cellulitis presents in large and hunting breeds of dogs with acute pain on opening mouth, eyelid swelling, unilateral prolapse of nictitating membrane, eye protrusion, conjunctivitis. Dog’s face looks swollen with inflamed, red eyes , (aka: “Devil dog”)
An 8-year old German shepherd is presented with a 1-month history of cough, labored breathing and lethargy. He has fainted a few times after exertion.
Upon physical exam pallor and a slow capillary refill time is noted. The dog has jugular distension, diminished, quiet heart sounds, ascites and weak, variable femoral pulses.
T=102.0 F (38.9 C)..[N=99.5-102.5 F]
HR=140 bpm………..[N=80-120]
RR=24 brpm………..[N=15-34]
A thoracic radiograph reveals the following.
What is the clinical diagnosis?
A - Cor pulmonale
B - Peritoneopericardial hernia
C - Dilated cardiomyopathy
D - Congestive heart failure (left)
E - Pericardial effusion

This is the clinical picture of Pericardial effusion. Note the spherical “Balloon heart”. Follow this link to see a DV view of Pericardial effusion. RX of choice is pericardiocentesis.
Ascites, distended jugulars suggests RIGHT congestive heart failure (CHF), more than left CHF (pulmonary edema, crackles, wheezes, cough).
Cor pulmonale is just another name for right CHF due to pulmonary hypertension.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) should be on your DDX. More likely to hear systolic murmur, arrhytmias, less likely to be muffled heart sounds. ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY resolves DDX between pericardial effusion, DCM and Peritoneopericardial hernia.
What kind of organism causes equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis?
A - Chlamydia
B - Spirochete
C - Protozoa
D - Anaplasma
E - Ehrlichia
D-anaplasma
This is a tricky question to help you remember that two diseases FORMERLY classified as ehrlichia have now been re-classified. The causative organism of Equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (EGE)was originally classified as Ehrlichia equi, but is now called ANAPLASMA phagocytophila due to DNA sequencing studies.
Do not confuse EGE, a necrotizing vasculitis in HORSE with BOVINE anaplasmosis, primarily an anemia, with icterus, fever.
Another name change occurred with the causative organism ofPotomac Horse Fever (PHF), from Ehrlichia risticii to NEOrickettsia risticii. PHF presents as a febrile colitis/diarrhea, with laminitis 3-5 d after diarrhea in horses of all ages: A big rule out is salmonella (think septicemia/fever+ diarrhea).
Which one of the following disorders can develop secondary to Spirocerca lupi infection?
A - Mammary adenocarcinoma
B - Tracheal sarcoma
C - Hyperparathyroidism
D - Diverticulitis
E - Hypertrophic osteopathy

E - Hypertrophic osteopathy
Hypertrophic osteopathy can occur secondary to infection with the ‘esophageal worm’, Spirocerca lupi.
This parasite affects the esophagus, aorta, and thoracic vertebrae. Infection develops by ingestion of the intermediate host, the dung beetle, or other paratenic hosts such as birds, hedgehogs, lizards, mice, or rabbits.
Spirocercosis can also cause esophageal neoplasia or spondylitis of the thoracic vertebrae.
Which three nerve blocks will correctly isolate the majority of equine lamenesses?
A - Suspensory ligament infiltration, Coffin, Proximal metacarpal
B - Low 4-point, Fetlock, Peroneal
C - Heel, High 4-point, Proximal metacarpal
D - Palmar digital, Abaxial sesamoid, Low palmar
E - Median/Ulnar, Low volar, Navicular bursa
D - Palmar digital, Abaxial sesamoid, Low palmar
90% of all lameness is in the HOOF. That means the three LOWEST nerve block will help you isolate most lamenesses.
These 3 are:
1). HEEL block (also called palmar digital (PD), used to help Dx navicular syndrome )
2) . PASTERN block (also known as the foot block, abaxial sesamoid nerve block (ASNB))- Can use to make a horse with acute laminitis comfortable)
3) . FETLOCK block (Also called Low palmar, Volar or Low 4-point block).
If horse is still lame after these 3 blocks (heel, pastern, fetlock), continue up limb with metacarpal/high 4-point, then prox. metacarpal blocks next.
A guinea pig is presented for seizure-like activity. On closer observation the guinea pig is not having a seizure but is actually severely pruritic. It also has hyperkeratosis and generalized alopecia.

Which one of the following choices is the most likely diagnosis?
A - Follicular ovarian cysts
B - Trixacarus caviae
C - Klossiella cobayae
D - Copper deficiency
E - Scurvy
B - Trixacarus caviae
Trixacarus caviae causes the most severe dermatitis of all guinea pig ectoparasites. Ivermectin treatment is usually successful but is used off label.
Scurvy(hypovitaminosis C) can occur in guinea pigs as they rely on dietary intake of vitamin C.
Clinical signs include diarrhea, joint pain, alopecia, petechiae, weight loss, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and skeletal muscle hemorrhage.
A 9-year old neutered male cat is presented, he is an indoor/outdoor cat who has recently been losing weight. He doesn’t run around like he used to and wheezes now when he does move around. His owner relates that he hasn’t had much of an appetite the last few weeks and is vomiting every day or so lately.
On physical exam it is noted that the cat is thin, with mild dehydration and somewhat dark mucous membranes but a normal capillary refill time. On auscultation inspiratory wheezes and somewhat irregular, muffled heart sounds are heard.
T=103.1 F (39.5 C)…..[N=100-103.1 F]
HR=124 bpm…………..[N=100-140]
RR=30 brpm…………..[N=16-40]
A lateral chest radiograph looks like the image below.
What is likely to have caused this illness?
A - Feline mediastinal lymphosarcoma
B - Lung lobe torsion
C - Pleural effusion
D - Hit by a car
E - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
D- Hit by a car
This is a diaphragmatic hernia (see loops of bowel with gas density overlapping lung fields).
Almost always secondary to trauma, esp. in pets HIT BY CARS. May present acutely after accident (shock, pale, tachypnea, tachycardia, dyspnea), or may show up with NO Hx of trauma and nonspecific GI, respiratory signs. May hear gut sounds in chest, muffled heart sounds. Can be congenital (think Weimaraner, Cocker), asymptomatic and go undiagnosed until middle age!!
In cattle, associated with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (Hardware Disease).
Look for FLOATING LUNGSwith pleural effusion.
With Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may have more severe cardiac sign, may see classic “Valentine” heart on DV rads.
Lung tumors, likeFeline mediastinal lymphosarcomamay obscure what should be dark, air-filled lung fields, but you still will not see loops of bowel in there. Follow this link to see a primary lung tumor. Note the contrast with multiple metastatic tumors in the lung.






