FREE DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Medicine Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 4-year-old female Boer goat presents with acute neurological signs including stargazing, circling, and apparent blindness. The owner reports a recent change in feed, incorporating a higher concentration of grain. What is the most likely diagnosis and appropriate immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM); injectable thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Answer

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is a neurological disease in ruminants often associated with a thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency. This deficiency can be induced by high-grain diets, which alter rumen microflora and can lead to the production of thiaminase enzymes that destroy thiamine. The clinical signs of apparent blindness, stargazing, and circling are classic for PEM. Prompt administration of high doses of injectable thiamine is the treatment of choice and can be diagnostic, often resulting in rapid improvement if administered early.

Question 2

A producer of a large swine finishing operation reports an increase in post-weaning mortality. Affected pigs are 8-12 weeks old and exhibit progressive weight loss ('wasting'), respiratory distress, and visibly enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. Several pigs also have diarrhea and pale skin. Which of the following pathogens is the most likely primary cause of this syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)

Answer

The clinical signs described—progressive weight loss (wasting), respiratory disease, and generalized lymphadenopathy in post-weaning pigs—are the hallmark presentation of Porcine Circovirus Associated Disease (PCVAD), caused by Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2). This condition was formerly known as Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS). While other pathogens can cause individual signs, the combination of wasting, respiratory signs, and significant lymph node enlargement is most characteristic of PCVAD.

Question 3

You are called to a dairy farm to examine a cow that calved 6 hours ago. The owner reports a large, reddish mass protruding from the vulva. Upon examination, you identify a complete uterine prolapse with the caruncles visible. The cow is standing but straining. Which of the following is the most critical first step in managing this case?

Accepted Answer

Administer a caudal epidural anesthetic.

Answer

The most critical first step in managing a uterine prolapse is to administer a caudal epidural anesthetic. This will stop the cow's straining (tenesmus), which is essential for successful replacement of the uterus and prevents further trauma to the tissue. Attempting replacement without an epidural is often futile and can lead to uterine rupture or other complications. While fluid therapy and antibiotics are important supportive measures and cleaning/reducing edema of the uterus is necessary, controlling the straining via anesthesia must be done first.

Question 4

A group of recently weaned beef calves arrives at a feedlot after a long transport. Within 10 days, several calves develop a fever (105°F), depression, nasal discharge, and a moist cough. This complex, multifactorial respiratory disease is commonly referred to as Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) or 'shipping fever'. Which of the following is NOT a primary viral pathogen typically associated with initiating BRD complex?

Accepted Answer

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) agent

Answer

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is a complex initiated by stress and primary viral infections, which then allows for secondary bacterial pneumonia. Common viral culprits include Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR, a herpesvirus), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) virus, Parainfluenza-3 (PI3) virus, and Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV). Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is a progressive, fatal neurological disease caused by a prion, not a virus, and is not involved in the pathogenesis of BRD.

Question 5

A 10-year-old Quarter Horse gelding presents with a cresty neck, generalized obesity (BCS 8/9), and a history of recurrent laminitis. You suspect Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Which diagnostic test is considered the most sensitive for confirming insulin dysregulation associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Oral sugar test (OST)

Answer

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is characterized by insulin dysregulation (ID), which is a key factor in the development of laminitis. While baseline insulin and glucose can be used as screening tools, they can be affected by stress or recent meals. The Oral Sugar Test (OST) is a dynamic test that is more sensitive for diagnosing ID. It involves administering a sugar solution (like Karo syrup) orally and measuring the insulin response over time, providing a more accurate assessment of the horse's ability to handle a carbohydrate challenge.

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

FREE DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Medicine Questions and Answers