Gerbils are classified as rodents, and they have become popular pets. What is the average lifespan of a gerbil?
Correct Answer: B
A gerbil's average lifespan is 3 to 5 years (3.5 average). The gestation period of a lactating gerbil is 24 to 48 days and 25 days when non-lactating. It is important to remember never to grab gerbils' tails when they are handled because it will deglove and require a tail amputation. Chinchillas, also in the rodent family, may live 8 to 10 years on average, but have been known to live up to 20 years. Hamsters are rodents that live for 18 to 24 months. Mice are rodents that live for 2 years.
Question 127
A three-year-old Great Dane has presented to the veterinary emergency services for severe abdominal distension, unproductive retching, and hypersalivation. What is the most likely cause of the dog's discomfort?
Correct Answer: B
Large breed dogs have a high incidence of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). In the presence of signs of gastrointestinal discomfort in any large breed dog, GDV should be the primary concern and should be ruled out immediately. Intervertebral disc rupture causes back pain, neck pain, slow and careful gait, immobilization of back legs, or difficulty urinating. Hemothorax causes weakness and dyspnea. Urinary bladder stones causes abdominal pain, painful urination, blood in the urine, or discolored urine. Joanna M. Bassert, VMD. McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 9th Edition. Pg 859-860. Mosby's Comprehensive Review for Veterinary Technicians 5th Edition. Pg 666.
Question 128
What is the term used to describe a patient's condition involving painful and paradoxical breathing?
Correct Answer: C
Flail chest is when a section of the ribs becomes unattached to the chest wall, and involves painful and paradoxical breathing. Paradoxical breathing is a result of the flail segment moving in the opposite direction of the rest of the chest wall due to pressure variances inside the chest. Taking a normal breath becomes very painful for patients experiencing paradoxical breathing. Hyperventilation is associated with rapid or deep breathing. Hypoventilation is associated with slow or shallow breathing. Dysphoria is abnormal mentation, typically associated with anesthetic recovery. Joanna M. Bassert, VMD. McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 9th Edition. Pg 842.
Question 129
Horses can be dangerous to work with, partly because of their normal behaviors and flight response, prey species mentality, and sheer size and strength. However, when approached carefully and confidently, they can be easily and safely restrained for evaluation. Which of the following is inappropriate when discussing approaching and restraining an equine patient?
Correct Answer: A
Horses are a prey species. They are nervous, untrusting, and flighty by nature. When scared, they may simply flee. However, others may strike, rear, bite, or kick, and do so without warning. Being alert when working with horses helps your chances of remaining free of injury. Monitor a horse's body language for cues signaling that they are fearful. Always approach a horse from the front but slightly offside and to the left; most horses are handled on the left and familiar with this. Always move slowly and with purpose, but without sudden jerking movements or changes in direction. Softly talk to the horse. If you must approach the horse from the rear, speak to them before you reach them to prevent startling them; then, as soon as feasible, reach out from a safe distance and off to the side of the hind end and place a gentle hand on the horse, so they know that you are there. Once restraining the horse, do not stand directly in front of them. Like with prey species in general, a horse's eyes are positioned farther apart than predators. Thus, they cannot see you completely when you stand directly in front of them. Additionally, you want to be out of the way if the horse rears, and far enough to the side that you are safely out of the way if they kick out. When holding the head, you want to keep it at the level of the withers, not above. If you give them their head, they have the advantage and could flee much easier. Regardless of how you approach, where you stand, or how you hold the head, avoid blind spots. Additionally, try to always keep one hand in contact with the horse if feasible. This allows the animal to know where you are at all times and may help you identify if and when the animal will move suddenly.
Question 130
What red blood cell abnormality is described by macrocytosis, also called macrocythemia?
Correct Answer: C
Macrocytosis is a term for increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV), or enlargement of red blood cells (RBCs). Macrocytic red blood cells often result from regenerative anemia. Pyknosis is a term for shrinking cells. Microcytosis is a condition in which red blood cells are abnormally small. Anisocytosis refers to variable red blood cell sizes.
