ARC Health and Nutrition 2

Question 1

Which vitamin deficiency in rescued cats most commonly causes blindness and reproductive failure?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin A

Answer

Cats cannot synthesize Vitamin A and must obtain it from their diet; deficiency leads to blindness, skin lesions, and reproductive failure.

Question 2

A rescued dog arrives severely emaciated. What feeding approach minimizes the risk of refeeding syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Small, frequent meals starting at 25% of calculated caloric needs

Answer

Refeeding syndrome occurs when metabolically starved animals receive too many calories too quickly, causing dangerous electrolyte shifts; gradual reintroduction at 25% of needs is safest.

Question 3

What is the primary role of taurine in feline nutrition?

Accepted Answer

Supports heart function and retinal health

Answer

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats that is critical for cardiac muscle function and retinal photoreceptor maintenance; deficiency causes dilated cardiomyopathy and blindness.

Question 4

Which of the following foods is toxic to both dogs and cats and should never be given to rescued animals?

Accepted Answer

Xylitol-containing peanut butter

Answer

Xylitol causes rapid insulin release in dogs leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure; it is also toxic to cats and must be avoided in all rescue animals.

Question 5

A malnourished rabbit rescue shows signs of GI stasis. What is the most critical nutritional intervention?

Accepted Answer

Ensure access to unlimited grass hay immediately

Answer

Grass hay provides the fiber necessary to restore gut motility in rabbits; it must form the bulk of the diet to prevent life-threatening GI stasis.

(ARC) Animal Rescue Certification Online Practice Test

(ARC) Animal Rescue Certification Online Practice Test

ARC Health and Nutrition 2