DVM Clinical Pathology and Diagnostics 4

Question 1

A cow presents with milk fever. Which serum electrolyte abnormality is expected?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Milk fever (parturient paresis) is caused by hypocalcemia due to the sudden calcium demand at the onset of lactation exceeding homeostatic mechanisms.

Question 2

A dog with splenic hemangiosarcoma is presented. Which CBC finding would most strongly support active hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity?

Accepted Answer

Regenerative anemia with thrombocytopenia and schistocytes

Answer

Regenerative anemia with thrombocytopenia and red cell fragmentation (schistocytes) suggests hemorrhage combined with microangiopathic changes, common with hemangiosarcoma.

Question 3

An ACTH stimulation test in a dog yields a pre-cortisol of 2 µg/dL and post-cortisol of 2.5 µg/dL. What does this confirm?

Accepted Answer

Hypoadrenocorticism

Answer

A blunted cortisol response to ACTH (both pre- and post-stimulation values low or below normal) confirms hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease).

Question 4

Which stain is most appropriate for identifying lipid droplets in hepatocytes on a liver fine-needle aspirate?

Accepted Answer

Oil Red O on air-dried unfixed sample

Answer

Oil Red O stains neutral lipids red/orange and must be applied to unfixed, air-dried smears before lipids dissolve during routine processing.

Question 5

A feline patient has a packed cell volume of 55% and a concurrent low erythropoietin level. What is the most likely underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Primary erythrocytosis (polycythemia vera)

Answer

Primary erythrocytosis (polycythemia vera) is a myeloproliferative disorder where erythropoietin is suppressed due to autonomous RBC overproduction.

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM Clinical Pathology and Diagnostics 4