NAVLE Canine Internal Medicine 3

Question 1

A 12-year-old Miniature Schnauzer presents with hypercalcemia (Ca 14.2 mg/dL), weight loss, and peripheral lymphadenopathy. Which test is most useful to differentiate hypercalcemia of malignancy from primary hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

PTH and PTHrP assay

Answer

Measuring both PTH (elevated in hyperparathyroidism) and PTHrP (elevated in humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy) is the most direct way to distinguish these causes.

Question 2

A 6-year-old Shar-Pei presents with fever, swollen hocks, and elevated SAA. Renal biopsy shows amyloid deposition in the medullary interstitium. Which treatment has shown the most benefit in slowing renal amyloidosis progression in this breed?

Accepted Answer

Colchicine

Answer

Colchicine inhibits amyloid fibril formation and has been shown to slow progression of renal amyloidosis in Shar-Peis when started early.

Question 3

An 8-year-old Dachshund presents with acute onset of severe back pain and inability to ambulate. MRI confirms acute thoracolumbar IVDD at T12-13. Deep pain perception is absent. Within what time frame should surgical decompression ideally occur to maximize neurological recovery?

Accepted Answer

Within 48 hours

Answer

Surgical decompression within 48 hours of loss of deep pain perception is associated with the best neurological outcomes in acute IVDD.

Question 4

A 5-year-old Labrador Retriever presents with acute onset hemolytic anemia (PCV 14%, spherocytes on smear, positive Coombs test). Which treatment combination is most appropriate as initial therapy?

Accepted Answer

Prednisone + azathioprine or mycophenolate

Answer

Combination immunosuppression with a corticosteroid plus a steroid-sparing agent (azathioprine or mycophenolate) is recommended for IMHA to reduce relapse rates.

Question 5

A 7-year-old Doberman Pinscher presents with exercise intolerance, ascites, and a gallop rhythm. Echocardiography shows a dilated left ventricle with reduced fractional shortening of 12%. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Answer

Dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced fractional shortening and a dilated left ventricle is the classic presentation in Dobermans.

NAVLE - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination Practice Test

NAVLE - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination Practice Test

NAVLE Canine Internal Medicine 3