Animal Care and Veterinary Animal Behavior & Handling Techniques Flashcards
6 cards from real Animal Care and Veterinary practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Animal Care and Veterinary Animal Behavior & Handling Techniques flashcards as text
What does 'redirected aggression' in cats refer to?
Answer: Aggression directed at a nearby person or animal after arousal by an inaccessible stimulus
Redirected aggression occurs when a cat aroused by an external stimulus it cannot reach redirects that aggression toward a nearby accessible person or animal.
In veterinary behavior medicine, which definition correctly describes positive reinforcement?
Answer: Adding a desirable stimulus following a behavior to increase its likelihood
Positive reinforcement adds something the animal values — such as a food treat — immediately after a desired behavior to increase its future frequency.
A rabbit displaying thumping, flattened ears, and a hunched posture is most likely experiencing:
Answer: Fear and defensive posturing indicating significant stress
Thumping, flattened ears, and a hunched posture are recognized stress and fear signals in rabbits, indicating a perceived threat in the environment.
Which handling approach is most appropriate for a hospitalized exotic prey animal such as a rabbit or guinea pig?
Answer: Minimize handling, provide hiding spaces, and maintain a quiet environment
Exotic prey animals experience significant physiological stress from over-handling; providing hiding spots and minimizing disturbance reduces harmful stress responses.
What is the appropriate response when a dog growls during a physical examination?
Answer: Stop the procedure, assess the situation, and modify the approach to reduce stress
Growling is a warning signal; stopping and reassessing reduces escalation risk and helps identify the source of the dog's fear or discomfort.
Which environmental modification best supports low-stress veterinary visits for cats?
Answer: Providing separate cat-only waiting areas and exam rooms away from dogs
Separate cat-only spaces prevent sensory exposure to dogs — sight, sound, and smell — which is one of the most significant stressors for feline patients in clinics.