VCNA May 2020

Question 1

A 3-year-old neutered male ferret presents with respiratory distress and pleural effusion. Thoracocentesis is performed and cytology reveals rod-shaped bacteria with a basophilic halo and pyogranulomatous inflammation. Which of the following is the most appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment while awaiting culture results?

A. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid
B. Enrofloxacin and a third-generation cephalosporin
C. Tetracycline and ampicillin

Answer 1

B. Enrofloxacin and a third-generation cephalosporin

Question 2

A 2-year-old African pygmy hedgehog presents with intermittent diarrhea and a history of contact with children. Which of the following pathogens is most likely responsible for the zoonotic potential and requires barrier nursing?

A. Salmonella typhimurium
B. Capillaria erinacei
C. Candida albicans

Answer 2

A. Salmonella typhimurium

Question 3

A 3.5-year-old rabbit presents with lethargy, anorexia, and jaundice. Diagnostic imaging reveals hepatomegaly and elevated ALT. Which emerging infectious disease should be considered and confirmed with RT-PCR?

A. Myxomatosis
B. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV-2)
C. Encephalitozoon cuniculi

Answer 3

B. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV-2)

Question 4

A 2-year-old male chinchilla presents with hematuria and a palpable abdominal mass. Radiographs reveal multiple smooth, round calculi in the urinary bladder. Which of the following is the most common composition of these uroliths?

A. Calcium carbonate
B. Struvite
C. Cystine

Answer 4

A. Calcium carbonate

Question 5

A 4-year-old ferret presents with stranguria and urethral obstruction. A cystotomy is performed and stones are submitted for analysis. Which of the following is now the most common type of urolith found in North American ferrets?

A. Struvite
B. Calcium oxalate
C. Cystine

Answer 5

C. Cystine

Question 6

A 1.5-year-old African pygmy hedgehog presents with crusting dermatitis and quill loss. Microscopy reveals nonburrowing psoroptid mites. Which of the following treatments is appropriate for Caparinia tripilis infestation?

A. Oral terbinafine
B. Topical fluralaner
C. Oral enrofloxacin

Answer 6

B. Topical fluralaner

Question 7

A 5-year-old guinea pig presents with weight loss and a palpable cervical mass. Total thyroxine (TT4) levels are elevated. Which treatment modality offers a definitive solution for hyperthyroidism in guinea pigs?

A. Methimazole administration
B. Radioactive iodine therapy
C. Surgical thyroidectomy

Answer 7

B. Radioactive iodine therapy