AAVSB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AAVSB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which finding on a liver biopsy cytology is pathognomonic for hepatic lipidosis in cats? → Widespread hepatocyte vacuolation with lipid droplets
2. A herd of swine is experiencing outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Which preventive strategy is most commonly used? → Modified live virus (MLV) vaccination of replacement gilts
3. What does a positive nitrite dipstick finding on urinalysis indicate? → Presence of nitrate-reducing bacteria
4. Which serum chemistry panel finding is most consistent with Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) in a dog? → Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
5. A bovine blood sample shows packed cell volume (PCV) of 12% and plasma that appears pink. What does the pink plasma indicate? → Intravascular hemolysis releasing free hemoglobin
6. Which test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism? → Total T4 (TT4)
7. The VTNE is required for which group of professionals? → Veterinary techniques
8. A breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) in bulls includes assessment of which three major categories? → Physical examination, scrotal circumference, and semen quality
9. Which complete blood count (CBC) finding is most consistent with a regenerative anemia in a dog? → Increased reticulocyte count with polychromasia
10. In cattle, which hormone is primarily responsible for causing luteolysis at the end of the estrous cycle? → Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)
11. Which zoonotic disease risk to veterinary staff is directly mitigated by pre-exposure rabies vaccination? → Exposure to potentially rabid wildlife or unvaccinated animals during clinical care
12. Which AAVSB service supports regulatory boards with model regulations and best practices? → Member Services
13. A dairy farm reports multiple calf deaths from bovine respiratory disease. Which management change most directly reduces BRD risk? → Ensuring adequate colostrum intake within 6 hours of birth
14. Which feline core vaccine combination covers panleukopenia, herpesvirus-1, and calicivirus? → FVRCP
15. Which bovine respiratory disease (BRD) pathogen vaccine is typically included in the 'BRSV' component of cattle combination vaccines? → Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV)
16. Which examination must a veterinary graduate pass to be licensed to practice in the United States and Canada? → NAVLE
17. What program ensures that continuing education (CE) courses meet high standards? → RACE
18. Which program ensures that continuing education courses for veterinarians meet high standards? → RACE
19. What is the term for primary uterine inertia in which the myometrium fails to generate adequate contractions to expel the fetus? → Primary uterine inertia
20. What is the significance of a sodium:potassium ratio below 27:1 in a dog? → Suggests hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)
21. Which internal parasite egg is identified by its embryonated appearance with a thick, pitted shell on fecal flotation in cattle? → Toxocara vitulorum
22. What interval is recommended for the rabies vaccine booster after the initial dose in adult dogs in the US? → 1 year, then every 1 or 3 years per product label
23. What is the most common cause of pyometra in dogs? → Escherichia coli
24. In the bitch, which phase of the estrous cycle is typically the longest and is characterized by uterine quiescence? → Anestrus
25. What is the average gestation length in horses? → 335 days
26. According to AVMA/AAHA guidelines, which canine vaccine is classified as a core vaccine? → Canine distemper virus (CDV)
27. A 3-year-old indoor/outdoor cat with unknown vaccine history presents for a wellness exam. Which vaccine should be administered based on AAFP core guidelines? → Rabies and FVRCP
28. What is the primary purpose of a booster vaccine given 2–4 weeks after the initial dose in puppies? → To overcome maternal antibody interference and ensure active immunity
29. What s the average gestation period for a domestic cat? → 58-65 days
30. Which of the following vaccines is considered a core vaccine for dogs? → Rabies