DVM General Practice 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 5-year-old dog presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and bilateral cataracts. Fasting blood glucose is 420 mg/dL. Which insulin type is most commonly used for initial management of canine diabetes mellitus?
- NPH insulin (Correct answer)
- Glargine insulin
- Regular insulin
- Detemir insulin
Correct answer: NPH insulin
NPH (isophane) insulin is the most commonly recommended starting insulin for dogs with diabetes mellitus, typically given twice daily.
Question 2: A cat is presented with open-mouth breathing, muffled heart sounds, and dullness on percussion of the left hemithorax. Which diagnostic procedure should be performed first?
- Thoracocentesis (Correct answer)
- Thoracic radiographs
- Echocardiography
- Complete blood count
Correct answer: Thoracocentesis
Thoracocentesis is both diagnostic and therapeutic and should be performed immediately in a dyspneic cat with suspected pleural effusion before stress-inducing imaging.
Question 3: Which of the following is the recommended vaccination protocol for a kitten receiving its first FVRCP vaccine at 8 weeks of age?
- Booster every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then 1 year later (Correct answer)
- Single dose only, then annual boosters
- Booster at 12 weeks only, then 3 years later
- Two doses 6 months apart
Correct answer: Booster every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then 1 year later
FVRCP kitten series requires boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age to overcome maternal antibody interference, then a booster at 1 year.
Question 4: A 3-year-old intact female dog presents 6 weeks post-estrus with lethargy, PU/PD, and a purulent vaginal discharge. Radiographs show a fluid-distended uterus. What is the most appropriate treatment?
- Ovariohysterectomy (Correct answer)
- Prostaglandin F2α therapy
- Antibiotics alone
- Progesterone antagonist
Correct answer: Ovariohysterectomy
Open pyometra requires immediate ovariohysterectomy as definitive treatment; medical management is reserved for breeding animals without systemic illness.
Question 5: Which dermatophyte species is the most common cause of ringworm in cats in the United States?
- Microsporum canis (Correct answer)
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Microsporum gypseum
- Epidermophyton floccosum
Correct answer: Microsporum canis
Microsporum canis is responsible for approximately 98% of feline dermatophytosis cases in the US and fluoresces apple-green under Wood's lamp.
Question 6: A horse owner reports that their 10-year-old Quarter Horse has been showing signs of intermittent lameness, muscle wasting over the topline, and pot-bellied appearance. Which endocrine disorder is most likely?
- Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) (Correct answer)
- Equine metabolic syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes mellitus
Correct answer: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID)
PPID (Cushing's disease) in horses commonly presents with hypertrichosis, muscle wasting, PU/PD, and laminitis, typically in older horses.
Question 7: A dog presents with acute onset of hematuria, stranguria, and pollakiuria. Urinalysis reveals struvite crystals and a urine pH of 7.8. Which diet change is most appropriate?
- Prescribe a urinary acidifying diet (Correct answer)
- Increase dietary protein
- Decrease water intake
- Feed a high-fiber diet
Correct answer: Prescribe a urinary acidifying diet
Struvite crystals form in alkaline urine, so an acidifying prescription diet helps dissolve existing crystals and prevents recurrence.
DVM General Practice 2
A 5-year-old dog presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and bilateral cataracts.
Fasting blood glucose is 420 mg/dL.
Which insulin type is most commonly used for initial management of canine diabetes mellitus?