VCNA May 2024

Question 1

A 3-week-old African pygmy hedgehog presents for evaluation. What is the expected developmental milestone at this age?
A) Eyes are still closed and fur is not yet visible
B) Eyes have opened and fur is growing in
C) Full adult dentition is present

Answer 1

B) Eyes have opened and fur is growing in

Question 2

You are advising a client on the ideal base diet for a juvenile chinchilla post-weaning. What is the most appropriate recommendation?
A) High-protein alfalfa pellets only
B) Ad libitum legume hay with limited pellets
C) Species-specific commercial pellets with grass hay offered ad libitum

Answer 2

C) Species-specific commercial pellets with grass hay offered ad libitum

Question 3

A juvenile parrot hand-reared from hatching exhibits increased aggression and feather picking compared to a clutchmate parent-reared bird. What is the most likely contributing factor?
A) Excess dietary protein
B) Early maternal separation
C) Vitamin A deficiency during weaning

Answer 3

B) Early maternal separation

Question 4

A 2-week-old ferret kit presents with diarrhea and dehydration. What is a likely infectious cause in this age group?
A) Lawsonia intracellularis
B) Rotavirus
C) Mycoplasma pulmonis

Answer 4

B) Rotavirus

Question 5

A 3-week-old rat pup from a research colony is presented for failure to thrive. What is the most likely developmental finding at this stage?
A) Eyes remain closed and no hair is visible
B) Eyes are open, haircoat is complete, and weaning should begin soon
C) Permanent teeth have erupted and dominance behavior begins

Answer 5

B) Eyes are open, haircoat is complete, and weaning should begin soon

Question 6

A sugar glider joey is found emerging from the pouch for the first time around 55 days of age. What is a key physiological characteristic at this stage?
A) Full thermoregulation independent of the dam
B) Reliance on ambient and maternal heat for temperature control
C) Complete weaning with solid food only

Answer 6

B) Reliance on ambient and maternal heat for temperature control

Question 7

A 4-week-old rabbit presents with diarrhea and weight loss. Fecal float reveals Eimeria oocysts. What is the most appropriate treatment recommendation?
A) Probiotic supplementation only
B) Oral toltrazuril administration
C) Broad-spectrum antibiotics for 14 days

Answer 7

B) Oral toltrazuril administration