DVM Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. In reptiles, the preferred site for intramuscular (IM) injection to avoid the renal portal system is: → Forelimb musculature
2. In cattle, fertilization normally occurs at the: → Ampullary-isthmic junction of the uterine tube (oviduct)
3. Which one is a veterinary assistant responsible for? → Provide care for before and after surgery and other procedures
4. When does a dog go into estrus? → Between 4-21 days with a mean of 19 days
5. What is the primary husbandry recommendation to prevent stasis (GI hypomotility) in guinea pigs? → Unlimited access to hay
6. The definitive diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in a dog requires the presence of which of the following findings? → Persistent fasting hyperglycemia and glycosuria
7. How long does it take to become a veterinarian? → 7-9 years
8. What is the most common cause of dysecdysis (retained shed) in snakes? → Inadequate environmental humidity
9. In dogs, which serum progesterone concentration most closely corresponds to the preovulatory LH surge? → 1–2 ng/mL (initial progesterone rise)
10. In sugar gliders, hind limb paralysis is most commonly associated with which nutritional deficiency? → Calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia)
11. Which of the following is the most common and clinically significant adverse effect associated with phenylbutazone administration in horses? → Right dorsal colitis
12. In cattle, retained fetal membranes (RFM) are defined as failure to expel the placenta within: → 24 hours post-partum
13. In ferrets, which endocrine tumor is extremely common and often causes episodic weakness, ptyalism, and hypoglycemia? → Insulinoma
14. Which of the following is NOT a common cause or contributing factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats? → High-protein diet in a healthy adult cat
15. Which hormone is primarily responsible for luteolysis in most domestic species? → Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)
16. Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) in psittacine birds is caused by which pathogen? → Avian bornavirus
17. After approximately day 150 of equine gestation, the primary source of progesterone maintaining pregnancy shifts to: → The fetoplacental unit
18. Rascal, a 2-year-old puppy, smells bad. What might be the reason? → All of these
19. Which of the following is the most common bacterial cause of respiratory disease in pet rabbits? → Pasteurella multocida
20. What is the most common cause of death in captive sea turtles and aquatic chelonians during rehabilitation? → Fibropapillomatosis
21. Bluetongue virus biological carriers: → Culicoides
22. Do veterinary technicians or assistants earn more money? → Vet technician
23. In chelonians (turtles and tortoises), which organ is responsible for uric acid excretion as the primary nitrogenous waste product? → Kidney
24. Which of the following is the correct cloacal temperature range indicating hypothermia in a reptile presented for emergency care? → Below 80°F (26.7°C)
25. Rectal palpation of pregnancy in mares typically becomes reliably diagnostic at approximately: → Day 25–30
26. Which analgesic drug is considered safe and effective for pain management in rabbits and is commonly used post-operatively? → Meloxicam
27. PPR disease causes high mortality and is more severe than → Goats
28. The chewing-gum-type seizure is a common anxious symptom in canines suffering from → Canine Distemper
29. Which drug is the treatment of choice for Chlamydia psittaci (psittacosis) infections in pet birds? → Doxycycline
30. What is the primary mechanism of action for the antiemetic drug maropitant? → Neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist in the emetic center