DVM Trivia 5

Question 1

What is the significance of the 'eclipse period' in the replication cycle of a virus?

Accepted Answer

Period when no intact virions are detectable inside the cell

Answer

The eclipse period follows viral uncoating; the parental virus is dismantled and progeny virions have not yet assembled, so no intact virus particles are detectable.

Question 2

A ferret is presented with symmetrical alopecia, pot-bellied appearance, and pruritus. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hyperadrenocorticism (adrenal gland disease)

Answer

Adrenal gland disease (often adrenocortical carcinoma or adenoma) is extremely common in ferrets and causes sex hormone excess leading to bilateral alopecia and pruritus.

Question 3

Which test is the gold standard for antemortem diagnosis of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)?

Accepted Answer

Western blot on brainstem tissue (obex)

Answer

BSE diagnosis requires Western blot (immunoblot) or immunohistochemistry detection of PrPSc in brainstem tissue, specifically the obex region.

Question 4

What is the primary action of atropine when used as a preanesthetic agent in dogs and cats?

Accepted Answer

Reduction of salivary and respiratory secretions

Answer

Atropine is an anticholinergic that blocks muscarinic receptors, reducing secretions (saliva, mucus) and preventing bradycardia associated with anesthetic agents.

Question 5

Which protozoan parasite is transmitted transplacentally and causes abortion and neonatal neurological disease in cattle?

Accepted Answer

Neospora caninum

Answer

Neospora caninum is a leading cause of bovine abortion; it is transmitted vertically (cow to calf) in up to 95% of cases in endemically infected herds.

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM Trivia 5