NAVLE NAVLE Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine 3

Question 1

In a spayed female ferret presenting with vulvar swelling, which disease is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal gland disease

Answer

Adrenal gland disease in ferrets causes excess sex hormone secretion from adrenocortical tissue, leading to vulvar swelling even in spayed females.

Question 2

Insulinoma in ferrets is a tumor of which cell type, and what is its primary clinical consequence?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic beta cells, causing hypoglycemia

Answer

Insulinoma is a pancreatic beta cell tumor that secretes excess insulin, causing episodic hypoglycemia, weakness, and seizures in ferrets.

Question 3

Rabbits are obligate nasal breathers. Which anatomical feature is responsible for this characteristic?

Accepted Answer

The epiglottis is permanently engaged with the soft palate

Answer

In rabbits, the epiglottis is anatomically locked against the soft palate, preventing oral breathing under normal circumstances.

Question 4

Which antibiotic classes are contraindicated in rabbits due to the risk of fatal clostridial enterotoxemia?

Accepted Answer

Penicillins and lincosamides (e.g., clindamycin, ampicillin)

Answer

Penicillins, amoxicillin, and lincosamides disrupt cecal flora and allow Clostridium species overgrowth, causing fatal enterotoxemia in rabbits.

Question 5

Guinea pigs are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously. What is the recommended daily dietary requirement?

Accepted Answer

10–30 mg/kg/day

Answer

Guinea pigs lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase for vitamin C biosynthesis and require 10–30 mg/kg/day through dietary sources to prevent scurvy.

NAVLE - North American Veterinary Licensing Examination Practice Test