Endotoxemia

Question 1

Which of the following Gram-negative bacteria are NOT commonly involved in causing endotoxemia in cats?
A) Escherichia coli
B) Staphylococcus aureus
C) Pseudomonas spp.
D) Klebsiella spp.

Answer 1

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 2

All of the following are frequent infectious causes of endotoxemia in feline patients EXCEPT:
A) Pyometra
B) Peritonitis
C) Dental caries (tooth decay without gum damage)
D) Pyelonephritis

Answer 2

Dental caries (tooth decay without gum damage)

Question 3

In non-bacteremic endotoxemia, which of the following is true?
A) Bacteria are abundant in the blood, but LPS is absent.
B) Neither bacteria nor LPS are present in the blood.
C) LPS is present in the blood, even if bacteria are not found.
D) Endotoxins are confined solely to the gut and do not enter circulation.

Answer 3

LPS is present in the blood, even if bacteria are not found.

Question 4

Which non-infectious medical procedure can serve as a pathway for bacterial translocation or bloodstream invasion leading to endotoxemia?
A) Routine vaccination
B) Endoscopy or rectal palpation
C) Nail trimming
D) Ear cleaning

Answer 4

Endoscopy or rectal palpation

Question 5

The “cytokine storm” in endotoxemia is characterized by the excessive release of which inflammatory cytokines?

Answer 5

TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6

Question 6

According to a study on septic cats, which clinical sign was present in 100% of affected animals?
A) Fever
B) Bradycardia
C) Lethargy
D) Icterus

Answer 6

Lethargy

Question 7

In cats with endotoxemia, what is the most likely cause of icterus (yellowing)?

Answer 7

Red blood cell destruction (hemolysis)

Question 8

Which specialized lab test exists for endotoxin detection but is often hard to use and not available in most veterinary clinics?

Answer 8

Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay

Question 9

When diagnosing severe sepsis or septic shock in cats, which of the following is NOT typically evaluated as a perfusion problem?
A) Mucous membrane color
B) Heart rate
C) Body temperature
D) Hair coat quality

Answer 9

Hair coat quality

Question 10

When examining pathological findings in a cat post-mortem with suspected endotoxemia, what is most likely to be observed?

Answer 10

Damage to blood vessels, fluid buildup, and micro clots, which are signs of SIRS, but no specific endotoxemia signs.

Question 11

Which supportive therapy is essential for stabilizing an animal with endotoxemia and managing potential disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

Answer 11

Heparin and fluid therapy

Question 12

Which class of antimicrobials would generally be preferred for skin infections in a cat with endotoxemia?

Answer 12

Beta-lactamase-resistant penicillins

Question 13

For an intra-abdominal infection contributing to endotoxemia in a cat, which antibiotic might be a suitable choice?

Answer 13

Metronidazole

Question 14

The most common route of botulism acquisition in cats is:

Answer 14

Ingestion of preformed toxin

Question 15

Which type of Clostridium botulinum toxin has been linked to feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell syndrome)?

Answer 15

Type C

Question 16

In cats, what is the most plausible form of botulism documented?

Answer 16

Foodborne botulism

Question 17

A cat presenting with disturbed vision and difficulty chewing and swallowing would likely suggest ____

Answer 17

Botulism

Question 18

Which of the following laboratory test results would you typically expect in a cat with botulism?
A) Markedly elevated white blood cell count
B) Significant abnormalities in blood chemistry and urinalysis
C) Routine lab tests (CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis) usually come back normal
D) Elevated liver enzymes

Answer 18

Routine lab tests (CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis) usually come back normal

Question 19

To prevent botulism, give 1 recommended measures.

Answer 19

Heating food to 80°C for 30 minutes or 100°C for 10 minutes.

Question 20

Which Campylobacter species is routinely associated with diarrheal disease in cats and humans?

Answer 20

Campylobacter jejuni

Question 21

What is the primary route of transmission for Campylobacter in cats?

Answer 21

Fecal-oral spread with foodborne and waterborne transmission

Question 22

Which antibiotic is considered the drug of choice for Campylobacteriosis in humans and may also be used in cats, though it can cause gastric irritation and vomiting?

Answer 22

Erythromycin

Question 23

Which Helicobacter species is primarily known for causing persistent, active, chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in humans and has been linked to gastric adenocarcinoma?

Answer 23

Helicobacter pylori

Question 24

What is considered the more likely mode of transmission for Helicobacter species based on clinical observations in humans and animals?

Answer 24

Oral-oral transmission (e.g., via vomitus or gastric secretions)

Question 25

A definitive diagnosis of Helicobacter infection requires?

Answer 25

Culture and isolation of the specific species of Helicobacter.

Question 26

In a cat naturally infected with H. pylori, a 21-day treatment regimen that successfully eliminated the organism from culture (in saliva, stomach fluid, and stomach tissue) included which combination of oral drugs?

Answer 26

Amoxicillin, metronidazole, and omeprazole

Question 27

Which Salmonella species (serotype) is most commonly isolated from diseased animals and people?

Answer 27

S. ser typhimurium

Question 28

What is the most common source of Salmonella infection, occurring through the gastrointestinal route?

Answer 28

Contact with contaminated food, water, or fomites.

Question 29

Which of the following clinical signs is NOT typically associated with gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella in cats? A) High fever (40–41.1°C) B) Lethargy and loss of appetite C) Vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (possibly bloody/mucoid) D) Excessive thirst without other digestive signs

Answer 29

Excessive thirst without other digestive signs

Question 30

What is considered the most definitive means of confirming a Salmonella infection, though mere isolation from feces does not necessarily indicate clinical disease?

Answer 30

Bacterial isolation from samples.

Question 31

When treating salmonellosis, why should aminoglycosides and quinolones be used with caution, especially in resistant cases? A) They are too expensive. B) They are not effective against Salmonella. C) Due to toxicity and potential for drug resistance development. D) They cause excessive salivation.

Answer 31

Due to toxicity and potential for drug resistance development

Question 32

Which of the following is a key public health consideration regarding Salmonella and cats? A) Salmonella is rarely found in cats and poses no risk to humans. B) Zoonotic transmission is possible, requiring good hygiene when handling pets and their waste. C) Cats are immune to Salmonella infection from humans. D) Only raw meat diets protect against Salmonella transmission.

Answer 32

Zoonotic transmission is possible, requiring good hygiene when handling pets and their waste.

Question 33

The botulinum toxin is described as a "miracle poison" due to its paradoxical nature. This paradox refers to its ability to: A) Cause widespread infection while also being easily treatable. B) Be incredibly potent in causing paralysis and death, yet also used medically and cosmetically. C) Affect only certain species while being harmless to others. D) Rapidly multiply in the body without causing any signs

Answer 33

Be incredibly potent in causing paralysis and death, yet also used medically and cosmetically.

Question 34

Which of the following describes the characteristic paralysis caused by botulinum toxin? A) Spastic paralysis due to excessive acetylcholine release. B) Flaccid paralysis due to increased nerve stimulation. C) Spastic paralysis due to blocked acetylcholine release. D) Flaccid paralysis by blocking the release of acetylcholine.

Answer 34

Flaccid paralysis by blocking the release of acetylcholine.

Question 35

When botulinum toxin is ingested by a cat, where does it primarily act to cause its effects? A) Directly on muscle fibers, causing them to contract. B) Within the central nervous system, damaging brain cells. C) At peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals, particularly neuromuscular junctions. D) In the kidneys, leading to renal failure.

Answer 35

At peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals, particularly neuromuscular junctions.

Question 36

In cases of Key-Gaskell syndrome (feline dysautonomia) associated with Clostridium botulinum type C, which of the following clinical signs might be observed? A) Hyperactivity and increased appetite. B) Regurgitation or vomiting, constipation, and pupillary dilation. C) Sudden onset of seizures and blindness. D) Profound muscle tremors and rigidity.

Answer 36

Regurgitation or vomiting, constipation, and pupillary dilation.

Question 37

The traditional and most reliable diagnostic test for identifying botulinum toxin

Answer 37

Mouse Inoculation Test

Question 38

Why are routine laboratory tests (like CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis) typically normal in a cat with botulism?

Answer 38

Botulism is an intoxication (caused by a toxin), not a typical infection that triggers detectable immune changes.

Question 39

What is the presumed prognosis for botulism in cats, given its rarity, based on recovery rates in dogs? A) Very poor, with high mortality. B) Generally good, but requiring intense supportive care for 1-3 weeks. C) Rapid recovery without any intervention. D) Varies widely depending on the cat's age, with older cats having a worse prognosis.

Answer 39

Generally good, but requiring intense supportive care for 1-3 weeks.

Question 40

Campylobacter upsaliensis and Campylobacter helveticus are isolated more frequently from?

Answer 40

Asymptomatic cats and dogs.

Question 41

What unique characteristic is used in the microscopic examination of fresh fecal samples for Campylobacter jejuni diagnosis?

Answer 41

Curved bacteria with characteristic darting motility.

Question 42

While erythromycin is the drug of choice for Campylobacteriosis, what side effect should be considered when treating cats?

Answer 42

Gastric irritation and vomiting.

Question 43

Experimental inoculation of cats with Helicobacter pylori has resulted in:

Answer 43

Chronic or chronic active gastritis.

Question 44

What is a key principle in deciding whether to treat Gastric Helicobacter Like Organisms (GHLO) in clinically healthy cats? A) Always treat them to prevent future disease. B) Treat only if there is evidence of gastric lesions with compatible clinical illness. C) Treatment is only necessary if the cat has a fever. D) Treat preventatively with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Answer 44

Treat only if there is evidence of gastric lesions with compatible clinical illness.

Question 45

In the pathological findings of severe salmonellosis, where are gross lesions mostly found?

Answer 45

The distal small intestine, cecum, and colon.

Question 46

When disinfecting cages and utensils to prevent Salmonella transmission, which type of disinfectant should be avoided around cats?

Answer 46

Phenolic disinfectants.