Animal Health and Biology Flashcards

Which clinical sign most strongly suggests a mouse is experiencing respiratory distress?

Answer: Open-mouth breathing with extended neck

Open-mouth breathing with neck extension indicates severe respiratory compromise requiring immediate veterinary attention.

The cecum in rabbits serves which primary digestive function?

Answer: Microbial fermentation of plant fiber

The rabbit cecum houses a large microbial community that ferments cellulose and produces volatile fatty acids essential for nutrition.

A technician notices a rat has hunched posture, piloerection, and half-closed eyes. These signs collectively indicate:

Answer: Pain or general malaise

Hunched posture, piloerection, and half-closed eyes (the rat grimace scale indicators) are recognized signs of pain and distress.

What is the correct term for the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in laboratory animals?

Answer: Ovariohysterectomy

Ovariohysterectomy refers specifically to the removal of both ovaries and the uterus, providing complete reproductive sterilization.

Which of the following best describes the function of neutrophils in the immune response?

Answer: Phagocytizing bacteria as a first-line defense

Neutrophils are the primary phagocytic cells of innate immunity, rapidly migrating to infection sites to engulf and destroy bacteria.

In guinea pigs, a deficiency of vitamin C leads to which condition?

Answer: Scurvy

Guinea pigs, like humans, lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase and cannot synthesize vitamin C, making them susceptible to scurvy.

Which organ is responsible for filtering blood and removing aged or damaged erythrocytes in mammals?

Answer: Spleen

The spleen acts as a blood filter, sequestering and destroying old or malformed red blood cells through its resident macrophages.