AAVSB - American Association of Veterinary State Boards Internal Medicine by Species Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 4-year-old female spayed Standard Poodle presents with a 2-day history of lethargy, vomiting, and weakness.
Physical examination reveals dehydration and bradycardia.
Initial bloodwork shows hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, with a Na:K ratio of 22:1.
Which of the following is the most definitive diagnostic test for the suspected condition?

Accepted Answer

ACTH stimulation test

Answer

Endogenous ACTH measurement

Answer

Dexamethasone suppression test

Answer

Baseline cortisol level

Question 2

A 12-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat is presented with a 3-month history of progressive weight loss despite a ravenous appetite. The owner also reports increased vocalization and occasional vomiting. On physical exam, you note a heart rate of 240 bpm and a palpable nodule in the cervical region. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Chronic kidney disease

Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Inflammatory bowel disease

Question 3

A 10-year-old Morgan gelding presents with a 'cresty neck,' generalized obesity (BCS 8/9), and a history of recurrent laminitis. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic approach to confirm Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)?

Accepted Answer

Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels

Answer

Thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test

Answer

Abdominal radiographs to assess for enteroliths

Answer

A complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry panel

Question 4

A dairy cow in her third week of lactation presents with decreased milk production, anorexia, and a preference for hay over grain. You notice a faint, sweet smell on her breath. A cow-side test confirms the presence of ketones in her urine. Which treatment is considered the standard oral therapy for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Propylene glycol

Answer

Intravenous dextrose

Answer

Vitamin B12 injection

Answer

Oral calcium supplementation

Question 5

A goat from a large herd presents with a large, firm, non-painful abscess on its right prescapular lymph node. The owner reports that several other goats in the herd have similar swellings. A fine-needle aspirate reveals thick, caseous, odorless pus. What is the most definitive method to diagnose Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL)?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial culture of the purulent material

Answer

Serological testing (SHI test)

Answer

Gram stain of the aspirate

Answer

Ultrasound of the affected lymph node

Question 6

A recently acquired Amazon parrot is presented for lethargy, anorexia, and bright green droppings ('biliverdinuria'). Physical examination reveals nasal and ocular discharge. The owner, who also feels unwell with flu-like symptoms, mentions the bird was stressed during transport. Which of the following zoonotic diseases should be at the top of the differential list?

Accepted Answer

Avian Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis)

Answer

Avian influenza

Answer

Newcastle disease

Answer

Aspergillosis