DVM Anesthesia and Pain Management 3

Question 1

A brachycephalic breed dog is presented for soft palate resection. Which preoperative concern is MOST critical for anesthetic planning?

Accepted Answer

Airway obstruction during recovery

Answer

Brachycephalic dogs are at highest risk for postoperative airway obstruction due to edema and anatomic abnormalities, making recovery the most critical phase.

Question 2

Which alpha-2 adrenergic agonist is MOST commonly used for sedation and analgesia in horses at the field setting?

Accepted Answer

Xylazine

Answer

Xylazine is the most widely used alpha-2 agonist for equine sedation in field conditions due to its availability, rapid onset, and effective sedation at appropriate doses.

Question 3

What is the mechanism by which NSAIDs provide analgesia in veterinary patients?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes reducing prostaglandin synthesis

Answer

NSAIDs inhibit COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and thereby decreasing peripheral and central sensitization.

Question 4

A feline patient under isoflurane anesthesia develops hypothermia (rectal temperature 34°C). Which consequence is MOST immediately clinically relevant?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged drug metabolism and recovery

Answer

Hypothermia slows hepatic enzyme activity and drug metabolism, leading to prolonged anesthetic recovery and potential overdose effects.

Question 5

When performing a retrobulbar block in a dog for enucleation, which serious complication must the clinician be vigilant for?

Accepted Answer

Brainstem injection

Answer

The optic nerve sheath connects to the subarachnoid space, and inadvertent injection can lead to brainstem spread of local anesthetic, causing apnea and cardiovascular collapse.

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM Anesthesia and Pain Management 3