AAVSB Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics 3

Question 1

A canine urinalysis reveals waxy casts. What do waxy casts indicate?

Accepted Answer

Chronic, severe renal disease with stasis

Answer

Waxy casts form from degenerated granular casts after prolonged stasis, indicating chronic, severe renal tubular disease.

Question 2

Which finding on a liver biopsy cytology is pathognomonic for hepatic lipidosis in cats?

Accepted Answer

Widespread hepatocyte vacuolation with lipid droplets

Answer

Feline hepatic lipidosis is characterized by massive cytoplasmic lipid vacuolation of hepatocytes, visible on fine needle aspirate cytology.

Question 3

A horse has a CSF tap showing xanthochromic fluid with elevated protein. What does xanthochromia indicate?

Accepted Answer

Previous hemorrhage with hemoglobin breakdown products

Answer

Xanthochromia (yellow discoloration) of CSF results from bilirubin produced by breakdown of red blood cells from a prior hemorrhage.

Question 4

Which biochemical marker best evaluates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in dogs?

Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine

Answer

Serum creatinine is the most commonly used marker for GFR estimation because it is freely filtered and not reabsorbed by the tubules.

Question 5

What is the significance of a sodium:potassium ratio below 27:1 in a dog?

Accepted Answer

Suggests hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)

Answer

A Na:K ratio below 27:1 is a classic screening indicator for Addison's disease, reflecting mineralocorticoid deficiency.

AAVSB - American Association of Veterinary State Boards Practice Test