NAVLE NAVLE Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine 2

Question 1

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in captive reptiles is most commonly caused by which combination of factors?

Accepted Answer

Calcium/phosphorus imbalance and UV-B light deficiency

Answer

Excess vitamin D3 supplementation

Answer

Bacterial osteomyelitis secondary to trauma

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Question 2

A green iguana presents with dysecdysis (retained shed). What is the safest and most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Soaking in warm water for 15–30 minutes

Answer

Forcibly removing the retained shed manually

Answer

Applying petroleum-based lubricants

Answer

Administering systemic corticosteroids

Question 3

Cryptosporidium serpentis infection in ball pythons most characteristically affects which organ, producing a pathognomonic clinical sign?

Accepted Answer

Stomach, causing mid-body swelling and regurgitation

Answer

Small intestine, causing chronic diarrhea

Answer

Liver, causing icterus

Answer

Kidneys, causing gout

Question 4

When treating a reptile patient, why is it essential to maintain the animal within its preferred optimal temperature zone (POTZ)?

Accepted Answer

Reptiles are ectotherms, so immune function and drug metabolism depend on environmental temperature

Answer

POTZ only affects reproductive behavior, not clinical outcomes

Answer

Temperature has no effect on antibiotic efficacy in reptiles

Answer

POTZ is important only for feeding, not medical treatment

Question 5

Which fungal organism causes 'yellow fungus disease' (invasive necrotizing mycosis) in bearded dragons?

Accepted Answer

Nannizziopsis guarroi

Answer

Aspergillus fumigatus

Answer

Candida albicans

Answer

Fusarium solani

Question 6

Which of the following reproductive strategies describes the boa constrictor?

Accepted Answer

Ovoviviparous — retains eggs internally and gives birth to live young

Answer

Oviparous — lays eggs that develop externally

Answer

Viviparous — has a true placenta like mammals

Answer

Parthenogenetic — reproduces without fertilization