Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics Flashcards
6 cards from real AAVSB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics flashcards as text
Which coagulation test specifically evaluates the extrinsic and common pathways?
Answer: Prothrombin time (PT)
PT measures the time for clot formation via the extrinsic pathway (factor VII) and common pathway (factors X, V, II, I).
A cat presents with marked thrombocytopenia (platelets 12,000/µL). Which clinical sign is most expected?
Answer: Petechiae and ecchymoses
Severe thrombocytopenia impairs primary hemostasis, leading to petechiae and mucosal bleeding rather than deep hemorrhage.
A dog with parvovirus has a WBC of 1,200/µL with 80% neutrophils and a left shift. How is this finding classified?
Answer: Neutropenia with degenerative left shift
Neutropenia with a degenerative left shift (more bands than segs) reflects overwhelming demand exceeding bone marrow production, common in parvovirus.
Which fecal flotation solution has the highest specific gravity and is best for recovering most parasite ova?
Answer: Sheather's sugar solution (SG 1.27)
Sheather's sugar solution (SG ~1.27) has the highest specific gravity, allowing recovery of a broader range of eggs including heavy ones.
A bovine blood sample shows packed cell volume (PCV) of 12% and plasma that appears pink. What does the pink plasma indicate?
Answer: Intravascular hemolysis releasing free hemoglobin
Pink (hemolyzed) plasma combined with severe anemia points to intravascular hemolysis and free hemoglobin release into circulation.
Which test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism?
Answer: Total T4 (TT4)
Total T4 is the initial screening test of choice for feline hyperthyroidism due to its high sensitivity in overtly hyperthyroid cats.