ICVA - International Council for Veterinary Assessment Canine Internal Medicine Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 7-year-old, male neutered Miniature Schnauzer is presented with a 3-day history of vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy.
On physical examination, he displays cranial abdominal pain.
Laboratory results show neutrophilia, elevated amylase, and lipase.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Acute pancreatitis

Answer

Gastroenteritis

Answer

Intestinal foreign body

Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Question 2

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for a dog diagnosed with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) presenting with severe anemia (PCV 12%) and autoagglutination?

Accepted Answer

Immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids and potentially a blood transfusion

Answer

Whole blood transfusion and broad-spectrum antibiotics

Answer

Intravenous fluid therapy and gastroprotectants

Answer

A low dose of aspirin and oxygen therapy

Question 3

A 9-year-old spayed female Golden Retriever is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Her initial bloodwork shows: Creatinine 2.8 mg/dL, SDMA 25 µg/dL, and a urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio of 0.8. Her systolic blood pressure is 155 mmHg. According to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) staging system, what is the correct stage and substage for this patient?

Accepted Answer

IRIS Stage 3, Borderline Hypertensive, Proteinuric

Answer

IRIS Stage 2, Normotensive, Non-proteinuric

Answer

IRIS Stage 4, Hypertensive, Proteinuric

Answer

IRIS Stage 3, Normotensive, Non-proteinuric

Question 4

Which diagnostic test is considered to have the highest sensitivity for diagnosing naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) in dogs, although it may have lower specificity?

Accepted Answer

Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDST)

Answer

Urinary Cortisol:Creatinine Ratio (UCCR)

Answer

ACTH Stimulation Test

Answer

High-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (HDDST)

Question 5

A 10-year-old mixed-breed dog presents with polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss. A blood glucose measurement is 450 mg/dL and the urinalysis reveals glucosuria and ketonuria. What is the most definitive diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Chronic kidney disease

Answer

Hyperadrenocorticism

Answer

Hypothyroidism

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical or laboratory finding in a dog with Canine Distemper Virus infection?

Accepted Answer

Severe, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

Answer

Hyperkeratosis of the nose and footpads

Answer

Neurological signs such as seizures or myoclonus

Answer

Respiratory signs including mucopurulent oculonasal discharge

A 7-year-old, male neutered Miniature Schnauzer is presented with a 3-day history of vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy.On physical examination, he displays cranial abdominal pain.Laboratory results show neutrophilia, elevated amylase, and lipase.Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?