Free companion animal medicine Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the companion animal medicine practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A dog has compatible signs of hyperadrenocorticism after nonadrenal illness has been evaluated. Which test do the AAHA endocrinopathy guidelines panel members prefer for the initial diagnostic assessment?

   1. A. ACTH stimulation test
   2. B. Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
   3. C. Urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio
   4. D. High-dose dexamethasone suppression test

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The guideline states, "The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) is the preferred diagnostic test of the guidelines panel members." It is therefore the preferred test in this suspected canine hypercortisolism case.

   Reference: 2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines — Canine hyperadrenocorticism, Diagnostic Testing and Monitoring, Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test

2. 2A dog with episodic vomiting and lethargy has a low sodium-to-potassium ratio, raising concern for hypoadrenocorticism. Which test establishes cortisol deficiency for this diagnosis?

   1. A. Resting cortisol concentration
   2. B. Sodium-to-potassium ratio
   3. C. ACTH stimulation test
   4. D. Urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The guideline says, "The diagnosis relies on confirming cortisol deficiency by means of an ACTHST." A low electrolyte ratio is suggestive, but ACTH stimulation establishes the cortisol deficit.

   Reference: 2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines — Canine hypoadrenocorticism, Diagnostic Testing and Monitoring

3. 3A dog is being evaluated for primary hypothyroidism. Which total thyroxine result does the AAHA guideline state generally excludes that diagnosis?

   1. A. A result just below the reference interval
   2. B. A result near the bottom of the reference interval
   3. C. A result in the lower half of the reference interval
   4. D. A result in the upper half of the reference interval

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The guideline states that "a result in the upper half of the reference range generally excludes the condition." This makes the upper-half result the one that argues against canine hypothyroidism; the qualifier is generally, not absolutely.

   Reference: 2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines — Canine hypothyroidism, diagnostic testing discussion of TT4

4. 4A stable cat has confirmed hyperthyroidism. The owner asks for the AAHA guideline's treatment of choice, with cure expected in more than 95% of cases. Which treatment should the veterinarian recommend?

   1. A. Radioactive iodine therapy
   2. B. Oral antithyroid medication
   3. C. Surgical thyroidectomy
   4. D. Iodine-deficient therapeutic diet

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The AAHA guideline states that "iodine (131I), which will provide a cure in more than 95% of cases." The immediately preceding text names radioactive iodine as the treatment of choice, matching the requested therapy.

   Reference: 2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines — Feline hyperthyroidism, treatment options and radioactive iodine

5. 5A hospitalized cat is euvolemic but cannot take in enough water to meet daily needs. Which fluid class is described as a maintenance fluid in the AAHA fluid therapy guidelines?

   1. A. Isotonic crystalloid
   2. B. Hypotonic crystalloid
   3. C. Hypertonic crystalloid
   4. D. Synthetic colloid

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The guideline states, "Use maintenance fluids, also referred to as hypotonic crystalloids, to provide daily fluid requirements in patients with inadequate fluid intake." That is the described class for this euvolemic cat's daily needs.

   Reference: 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: Section 3, Fluids for Replacement and Maintenance — Section 3, key recommendation on maintenance fluids

6. 6A dog with acute fluid loss has poor perfusion and is judged hypovolemic. Which listed route can deliver the required immediate resuscitation fluid?

   1. A. Subcutaneous
   2. B. Enteral
   3. C. Intravenous
   4. D. Intraperitoneal

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The guideline states, "Hypovolemia always requires IV or IO fluid delivery." Intravenous delivery is the listed route that satisfies this requirement for immediate volume replacement.

   Reference: 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: Section 3, Fluids for Replacement and Maintenance — Section 3, Selecting Fluid Administration Routes

7. 7A 20 kg dog is estimated to be 8% dehydrated. Before adding maintenance or ongoing losses, what is the calculated fluid deficit?

   1. A. 0.8 L
   2. B. 2.0 L
   3. C. 3.2 L
   4. D. 1.6 L

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The guideline gives "Fluid Deficit (L) = Body Weight (kg) x % Dehydration (as a decimal)"; 20 multiplied by 0.08 is 1.6 L. The other results come from halving the percentage, substituting 10%, or doubling the computed deficit.

   Reference: 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: Section 3, Fluids for Replacement and Maintenance — Section 3, Box 3: Calculating the Fluid Deficit

8. 8A puppy's vaccination plan is being reviewed under the AAHA canine guideline. Which vaccine target is classified as core for dogs regardless of lifestyle?

   1. A. Canine influenza virus
   2. B. Borrelia burgdorferi
   3. C. Canine parvovirus type 2
   4. D. Bordetella bronchiseptica

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The guideline lists core vaccines and says "vaccines include canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, and rabies." Canine parvovirus type 2 is the core target among these choices.

   Reference: 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines — Core and noncore vaccines, introductory classification

9. 9A previously unvaccinated kitten is younger than one year. Which vaccine target is included among core feline vaccines in the AAHA/AAFP guideline for that age group?

   1. A. Chlamydia felis
   2. B. Feline leukemia virus
   3. C. Bordetella bronchiseptica
   4. D. Feline infectious peritonitis

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The guideline includes "FeLV (cats younger than 1 year old) as core vaccines". Feline leukemia virus is therefore core for this kitten, unlike the other listed feline vaccine targets.

   Reference: 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines — Core and non-core vaccine classification for cats younger than one year

10. 10A pet bird is pale and lethargic. The veterinarian wants a test that can evaluate anemia and evidence of systemic infection or inflammation. Which diagnostic test addresses both concerns?

    1. A. Serum biochemistry panel
    2. B. Blood coagulation profile
    3. C. Complete blood count
    4. D. Serum protein electrophoresis

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The avian veterinary care guide identifies the Complete Blood Count and states, "This test is used to detect anemia and evidence of systemic infection or inflammation." A CBC addresses both concerns raised by this bird's presentation.

    Reference: Veterinary Care for Your Pet Bird — Diagnostics, Bloodwork (Complete Blood Count and Biochemistry Panel)