NAVLE Canine Internal Medicine Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 7-year-old female spayed Standard Poodle presents with a history of waxing and waning lethargy, vomiting, and anorexia.
On physical examination, she is quiet but responsive, with a heart rate of 60 bpm and weak femoral pulses.
Bloodwork reveals hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and azotemia.
Which of the following is the most definitive diagnostic test for this dog's suspected condition?

Accepted Answer

ACTH stimulation test

Answer

Endogenous ACTH concentration

Answer

Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test

Answer

Abdominal ultrasound

Question 2

Which of the following is a primary therapeutic goal in the management of a dog with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and proteinuria?

Accepted Answer

Controlling systemic hypertension and reducing phosphorus intake

Answer

Increasing dietary protein to counteract losses

Answer

Administering loop diuretics to increase GFR

Answer

Supplementing with high doses of Vitamin D to manage secondary hyperparathyroidism

Question 3

A 5-year-old Cocker Spaniel presents with acute lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and icterus. A complete blood count reveals a severe regenerative anemia (HCT 15%) with marked spherocytosis and autoagglutination. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)

Answer

Zinc toxicity

Answer

Babesiosis

Answer

Von Willebrand's disease

Question 4

A 10-year-old Miniature Schnauzer with a history of hyperlipidemia presents with acute onset of vomiting, anorexia, and cranial abdominal pain. Physical examination reveals a 'praying posture.' Laboratory findings include neutrophilia, elevated amylase, and markedly elevated lipase. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive intravenous fluid therapy, analgesia, and antiemetics

Answer

Immediate exploratory laparotomy

Answer

High-fat, high-protein diet to stimulate appetite

Answer

Broad-spectrum antibiotics and oral corticosteroids

Question 5

A 4-year-old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is presented for chronic small bowel diarrhea, significant weight loss, and peripheral edema. Bloodwork reveals severe panhypoproteinemia (both albumin and globulin are low). Which of the following conditions is the most likely underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)

Answer

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Answer

Protein-losing nephropathy

Answer

Chronic hepatitis

Question 6

Which of the following is considered the most effective method for long-term monitoring of glycemic control in a diabetic dog, reflecting average blood glucose over the preceding 2-3 months?

Accepted Answer

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration

Answer

Urine glucose strips

Answer

Serial blood glucose curve

Answer

Fructosamine concentration