Animal Health and Welfare Flashcards
7 cards from real ALAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Animal Health and Welfare flashcards as text
Which of the following is a common clinical sign of pinworm (Syphacia or Aspiculuris) infestation in mice?
Answer: Perianal pruritus and rectal prolapse in severe cases
Pinworm infestations in mice can cause perianal irritation and, in heavy infestations, rectal prolapse, though many infections are subclinical.
In assessing rabbit welfare using the Grimace Scale, which facial feature is evaluated?
Answer: Orbital tightening, cheek flattening, nose shape, whisker position, and ear shape
The Rabbit Grimace Scale evaluates five facial action units including orbital tightening, cheek flattening, nose shape, whisker position, and ear shape to assess pain.
A technician observes a rat with a red-tinged discharge around the eyes and nose. This substance is most likely:
Answer: Porphyrin pigment, which can be a sign of stress or illness
Red-brown porphyrin pigment produced by the Harderian gland can indicate stress, illness, or poor husbandry conditions in rats.
Which of the following conditions is MOST likely to compromise the immune status of laboratory mice and affect research outcomes?
Answer: Subclinical viral infection such as mouse hepatitis virus (MHV)
Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) is an immunomodulating pathogen that can alter immune responses and significantly confound research results.
Under the Animal Welfare Act, which species are NOT covered by federal welfare protections?
Answer: Rats, mice, and birds bred for research
The AWA specifically excludes rats of the genus Rattus, mice of the genus Mus, and birds bred for use in research from its coverage.
A technician notices a rabbit with a head tilt (torticollis). The most common infectious cause of this sign in laboratory rabbits is:
Answer: Pasteurella multocida otitis interna
Pasteurella multocida can cause otitis interna in rabbits, leading to vestibular dysfunction and characteristic head tilt.
What is the purpose of a body condition score (BCS) in laboratory animal monitoring?
Answer: To provide a standardized assessment of an animal's nutritional status and fat reserves
Body condition scoring provides a systematic, objective method to evaluate nutritional status by assessing fat and muscle mass.