ICVA Exotic Animal Anesthesia 4

Question 1

What unique cardiovascular feature of avian patients makes blood pressure monitoring challenging compared to mammals?

Accepted Answer

Birds have a much higher heart rate and small vessel diameter, complicating cuff placement

Answer

Birds lack a left ventricle

Answer

Avian red blood cells are anucleate

Answer

Birds have only one atrium

Question 2

Alfaxalone is gaining popularity in exotic animal anesthesia primarily because of which advantage over ketamine?

Accepted Answer

Smoother induction and recovery with less muscle rigidity

Answer

Lower cost

Answer

Longer duration of action

Answer

No need for reversal agents

Question 3

In hedgehogs undergoing anesthesia, which pre-anesthetic consideration is critical due to their defensive behavior?

Accepted Answer

Pre-anesthetic sedation is almost always necessary because they cannot be safely examined awake

Answer

Fasting for 24 hours is required

Answer

They require cardiac screening first

Answer

IV catheter placement must precede all other steps

Question 4

Which statement best describes the glottis location in most snakes, which is critical during intubation?

Accepted Answer

Located at the rostral floor of the mouth, visible when the mouth is opened

Answer

Located at the base of the tongue

Answer

Located deep in the pharynx behind the esophagus

Answer

Located midway along the trachea

Question 5

A sugar glider requires anesthesia for dental work. Which induction method is most practical and safe?

Accepted Answer

Chamber or mask induction with isoflurane

Answer

Intravenous propofol

Answer

Oral ketamine administration

Answer

Subcutaneous alfaxalone only

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why hyperthermia is a common anesthetic complication in rabbits but not reptiles?

Accepted Answer

Rabbits are endotherms that retain body heat under draping and warming devices, while reptiles are ectotherms

Answer

Rabbits have a lower body temperature set point

Answer

Reptiles sweat more effectively

Answer

Rabbits have a faster respiratory rate that dissipates heat

Question 7

What is the recommended fasting time for most psittacine birds (parrots) prior to general anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

2–4 hours

Answer

24 hours

Answer

8–12 hours

Answer

No fasting required